Tokara Wine and Olive Estate in Stellenbosch has been ranked among the World’s 50 Best Vineyards of 2025’s extended list.
Founded at the dawn of democracy in South Africa, Tokara is situated at the foothills of Simonsberg Mountain, on the brow of the renowned Helshoogte Pass, a few kilometres from Stellenbosch.
The wine farm was established by billionaire businessman GT Ferreira, one of the founders of FirstRand, and his wife, Anne-Marie, who bought the land in 1994. The farm’s name is a combination of their children’s names, Thomas and Kara.
According to World of Fine Wine, Ferreira soon realised that the land he had bought was situated on some of the best wine grape-growing soils in the region.
Therefore, Tokara’s first Cabernet Sauvignon vines were planted in 1996, with Ferreira setting his sights on producing one of the best wines in the world.
Tokara explains that what sets its wine apart from others is not the process of making the wine, but rather where it is born, with its location by the Simonsberg Mountain ideally situated for wine grape agriculture.
“The farm forms the watershed between two beautiful valleys on the foothills of the majestic Simonsberg, the dramatic backdrop and foundation for Tokara’s unique terroir,” it said.
“Tokara rests on the Stellenbosch side of the Banghoek Valley, between 350 m and 550 m above sea level.”
This combination of altitude, deep, rich, decomposed granite soils, and the unique aspect of the property creates variability between the vineyard sites.
The farm’s winemaker, Stuart Botha, believes that Tokara’s terroir must take centre stage when producing the wine.
This means each of Tokara’s wines has its own unique story to tell, achieved through honing parcels of excellence in the vineyards to create exceptional individual batches.
Tokara focuses on two grape varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, sold in three ranges –
Tokara Premium Collection, a fusion from various sites
Tokara Reserve Collection, picked from a single vineyard
Tokara Directors Reserve, from the very best and most expressive parcels that were used to create iconic blends that define Tokara’s flagship wines
“For me, a bottle of wine encapsulates the vision, reality and circumstance of a particular place and time. It tells a great story if you take the time to listen.” Botha said.
Tokara’s olive oil production began over two decades ago when Anne-Marie planted Tuscan olive varieties across the estate.
Today, Tokara produces cold-pressed olive oils in its boutique-style olive oil mill adjacent to the farm’s Delicatessen.
The farm extracts its premier Extra Virgin Olive Oil using a state-of-the-art Italian Olive Press that allows precise control over the entire process.
Among the best in the world
In November 2025, Tokara received recognition for its winemaking efforts when the farm ranked 71st on The World’s 50 Best Vineyards 2025’s extended list, which is released prior to the Top 50 ranking.
It joined three other South African estates that also made the list –
Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch, which ranked 79th
La Motte in the Franschhoek Valley, which ranked 94th
Hamilton Russell Vineyards in Hemel-en-Aarde, which ranked 99th
“The extended list, which precedes the main Top 50 announcement later this year, recognises destinations that blend world-class wines with exceptional visitor experiences,” Tokara explained.
“Tokara’s inclusion highlights the maturing appeal of Stellenbosch’s Helshoogte corridor, a region where wine, food and art converge on a single estate, and reflects how South African producers are being recognised for experiences that match their winemaking credentials.”
The farm said this recognition comes as wine tourism continues to drive the Western Cape’s economy.
It said the sector contributed roughly R9.3 billion to GDP in 2022, accounting for over 17% of total winery turnover and supporting up to 40,000 seasonal jobs.
Tokara pointed out that smaller producers benefited most, with some reporting more than a third of their income from visitor activity.
“Tokara’s placement on the 2025 list, alongside Delaire Graff, La Motte and Hamilton Russell, illustrates how South African estates are meeting global benchmarks for design, service and wine quality while maintaining authenticity and value,” it said.
“Together, they represent the continued evolution of wine tourism, a sector that solidifies South Africa’s reputation as one of the world’s leading wine destinations.”
Tokara Wine & Olive Farm
GT and Anne-Marie Ferreira
Dining and Cooking