Stellenbosch · Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch
Tokara
Contemporary architecture, an award-winning restaurant and estate-grown olive oil at the top of the pass.
About Tokara
Modern, minimalist estate at the top of Helshoogte Pass with a fine-dining restaurant, casual deli, olive oil tasting and sweeping views across two coastlines.
Tokara sits directly opposite Delaire Graff at the summit of Helshoogte, with almost the same view but a completely different, quieter feel. The estate produces wine, olive oil and honey, and is a favourite for long, unhurried lunches.
History
Founded by financier GT Ferreira in 1994 and originally focused on olive oil, Tokara added a serious wine programme under long-serving cellar master Miles Mossop (and now Stuart Botha). The Reserve Collection has been in the country's top tier for two decades.
The wine experience
Seated tastings pair Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and the Cabernet-led Reserve Collection with olive oil flights. Restaurant guests can extend the tasting to a full pairing menu upstairs.
- Wine tasting
- Wine & olive oil pairing
- Restaurant pairing menu
Signature wines
- Tokara Reserve Collection Chardonnay
- Reserve Collection Red
- Tokara Director's Reserve White
Food on the estate
Tokara Restaurant (fine dining, tasting menu) and Tokara Deli (relaxed all-day lunches).
Pros and cons
An honest read from a driver who's been to every farm on this list.
Pros
- Two restaurants — fine dining and family-friendly deli
- Estate-grown extra-virgin olive oil is genuinely world-class
- Stunning contemporary architecture with sweeping views
- Quieter than neighbouring Delaire Graff with similar scenery
- Great combined stop with a cellar visit next door
Cons
- Deli fills up on weekends — book ahead for lunch
- Tasting fees have risen sharply in recent years
- Windy in summer — sit inside if the south-easter is up
- Formal restaurant is expensive; the deli is the better daily choice
Best for
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about visiting Tokara.
How much does a wine tasting at Tokara cost?+
Tastings at Tokara start from R150 per person. Options include Wine tasting, Wine & olive oil pairing, Restaurant pairing menu. Prices are typically waived or discounted with a bottle purchase — confirm current rates directly with the estate as they change seasonally.
What are Tokara's opening hours?+
Tokara is open Mon–Sun 10:00–17:00. Tastings are pre-booked and the last tasting slot usually closes 60–90 minutes before the estate does, so arrive with time to spare.
How far is Tokara from Cape Town and Stellenbosch?+
Tokara is roughly 50 minutes by car from central Cape Town and about 15 minutes from Stellenbosch town, traffic depending. The estate is at Helshoogte Road (R310), Stellenbosch.
Do I need to book in advance at Tokara?+
Yes — like most Stellenbosch estates, Tokara works on pre-booked tastings, especially on weekends and in peak season (November–April). Walk-ins are sometimes possible mid-week but never guaranteed.
Is there food available at Tokara?+
Tokara Restaurant (fine dining, tasting menu) and Tokara Deli (relaxed all-day lunches).
Can Stellenbosch Shuttles drive me to Tokara?+
Yes. We run private, all-inclusive day tours to Tokara and the wider Stellenbosch winelands from Cape Town, Stellenbosch and the Winelands hotels. One flat rate covers the vehicle, driver, fuel and tolls — you taste freely, we drive safely. Request a quote for your dates and group size.
More wine farms in Stellenbosch
Waterford Estate
Mediterranean courtyards, Kevin Arnold Shiraz and a chocolate-and-wine pairing that redefines the category.
Delaire Graff Estate
The most spectacular view on the wine route, a two-restaurant estate and Laurence Graff's private art collection.
Kanonkop Wine Estate
First Growth of the Cape — Paul Sauer Cabernet blend and open-fermenter Pinotage.
Visiting Tokara? We'll drive.
One flat all-day rate — driver, fuel, tolls and cellar-door bottle collection included.