Winter in the Cape Winelands brings a different kind of beauty to Stellenbosch, when vineyards rest, mountain views sharpen and cellar doors become places to slow down while enjoying generous hospitality.
Located high on Helshoogte Road on the midslope of the Simonsberg Mountain, Tokara Wine and Olive Estate is one of Stellenbosch’s most distinctive wine tourism destinations.
Ideally set along the Stellenbosch Wine Route, Tokara has built its reputation on world class wines, refined cuisine, award winning olive oil and an exceptional sense of place.
More than a quarter of a century after the Ferreira family first brought their vision for the estate to life, Tokara continues to offer visitors a destination where landscape, craftsmanship and hospitality come together with confidence.
The estate entered the 2026 winter season with renewed international momentum. Its Reserve Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 was included in the red wine judging list for the 2026 Judgement of Davis, hosted by the University of California, Davis, in honour of the 50th anniversary of the original Judgement of Paris.
The same wine has also been selected for the World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection, where it was recognised as the only South African red wine in the line up.
These achievements add to the growing global reputation of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon. The Reserve Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 reflects the strength, structure and refinement associated with Tokara, showing cassis, ripe cherry, liquorice, graphite, cigar box and fynbos, with dense fine grained tannins and a long, layered finish.
A visit to Tokara allows guests to explore this calibre of wine in the estate’s tasting lounge, where curated tastings move through elegant barrel aged whites, expressive Sauvignon Blancs, structured reds and the estate’s acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon.
Winter is an ideal time to settle into Tokara’s culinary offering. The Restaurant at Tokara presents seasonal cooking shaped by the surrounding landscape, with chef Carolize Coetzee drawing on local produce, coastal ingredients and a modern South African sensibility.
The Delicatessen again offers a welcoming setting among the olive groves, with farm fresh fare, artisanal breads, pastries, preserves and space for families to linger. Guests can also enjoy an olive oil tasting, adding another layer to the experience through premium extra virgin olive oils that reflect the same attention to quality and provenance as the estate’s wines.
From fireside tastings and mountain views to award winning wines now earning attention on major international stages, Tokara offers a winter escape rooted in excellence, authenticity and the quiet luxury of the Cape Winelands.
For more information, visit www.tokara.com.