Tokara tasting room review
TOKARA - trusted all-rounder
The wines of Tokara are enjoying a run of success, and the striking cellar situated opposite Delaire Graff Estate no doubt evokes impressed nods from those who have discovered the farm's wines.
Owned by one of South Africa's own heavyweights, First Rand's GT Ferreira, the big-capital architectural design and interior touches at Tokara provide patrons with a space where wines can be enjoyed and views savoured. Parking is ample - which is an obvious necessity as we note on entering the premises.
It is a busy Saturday, although we are informed that this is still a small crowd in comparison to levels when Stellenbosch University students are not at home for the holidays. This is apparently a favourite spot for them as the farm offers quite an extensive tasting - nearly a dozen wines on offer at no cost, with a nominal R10 charged to enjoy a rather generous pouring of their Potstill Brandy.
The crowd on the day is quite diverse, from a rather serious foreign faction to a cluster of laughing 20-somethings and a man, apparently a regular, feeding his baby sips of wine! ere is also an attention-deprived cat in the room, making disturbed sounds.
A big glass panel provides panoramic views on one side and cellar operations on the other. Seating at the fireplace adds comfort - although wines are only poured at the tasting counter, undoubtedly in an effort to avoid some crowds from getting too comfortable. A pity for those who like to enjoy a tasting in a civilised manner in a level of comfort that is not easily achieved with bar-counter tastings.
The attendant is friendly enough, though, and talks about the wines with good knowledge and interest. Working through the list and tasting wines from the lower-tiered (but exceptionally good valued) Zondernaam range explains why this farm is a firm favourite amongst the discerning, whether or not they consider themselves "connoisseurs".
And although there are red and white wines on the menu, it is the latter that impresses most - the Tokara White 2007 with its "hedonistic nose" was rewarded a 5-Star Platter's rating, and at R135 a bottle it is rather remarkable that it is still available, and off ered at tastings.
Rounding off the experience with a sip of their brandy and a stroll of the gallery - that includes Kentridge and Stern - a final assessment is made in terms of relaxed atmosphere, fine interiors and quality products, and it is concluded that if you had time to visit only one farm on the Helshoogte Pass, then this sure needs to be it. Tel 021 808 5900, www.tokara.co.za.
OPEN: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:00, Sat & Sun 10:00 - 15:00.
SERVICE: 6/10 - friendly and helpful.
AMBIENCE: 9/10 - how about some seating?
VALUE: 9/10 - great wines that are well-priced.
QUALITY: 8/10 - wines made to impress, particularly the whites.
