Tokara Extra Virgin Olive Oil, South Africa

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INTRODUCTION

From Tuscany to Tokara

Situated along scenic Helshoogte Pass, at the foot of the Simonsberg Mountain, Tokara Wine and Olive Estate in Stellenbosch is one of the most stunning estates anywhere. This estate is famed for its award-winning wines and extra virgin olive oils. Yet, over time, it has become so much more than just a humble wine and olive estate.

GT and Anne-Marie Ferreira purchased the farm in 1994, originally intending to build a quiet family home. The estate was named Tokara, a combination of their children’s names, Thomas and Kara.

Following the Mediterranean tradition of pairing vineyards with olive groves, Anne-Marie Ferreira initiated the olive project in 2000. After researching in Italy, the estate focused on Tuscan varieties—Frantoio, Leccino, and Coratina—alongside the Mission variety.

HISTORY

South Africa's first single-varietal olive oil range

The first 500 bottles of olive oil were produced in 2001 (using purchased olives) and sold out in two weeks. By 2002, Tokara produced 18,000 liters from its own estate-grown olives.
Tokara became the first South African producer to bottle a single-varietal olive oil range, allowing for precise food pairings. Over the last 25 years, the estate has expanded to 22 hectares of olive groves and established a boutique mill and the Tokara Delicatessen to showcase its oils and local art.