Stepping into the limelight, the renowned winery was named Most Successful Producer at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show for a second time since the championship’s inception.
The competition judges came to their conclusion after Tokara wines were singled out for no less than five awards, including the trophy for Best Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Blend awarded to its Tokara Director’s Reserve White 2015; and, gold for the Tokara Reserve Collection Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2015.
Other medal winners were the Tokara Reserve Collection Sauvignon Blanc Noble Late Harvest 2016; Tokara Reserve Collection Stellenbosch Syrah 2013; and Tokara Director’s Reserve Red 2013.
“This is an extremely encouraging result for us,” says Tokara general manager Karl Lambour. “Our fruit is grown in what are arguably South Africa’s best regions for wine and we, in turn, have invested much into consistently achieving the purest expressions of that quality in our wine.”
“The recognition from the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show is significant to us specifically because of its reputation, but also because its mix of judges speaks of the local and international appeal of our wines at a very high level.”
The Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show is South Africa’s premier wine competition that recognises the top local wines and winemakers, and honours excellence in the wine industry. The judging panel comprises three international and six local judges, and has been chaired by renowned wine authority Michael Fridjhon since the show was launched in 2002.
Both of the top performing wines from Tokara – the Director’s Reserve White 2015 and Reserve Collection Stellenbosch Chardonnay - received 95/100 points – a rare achievement considering the decline in gold medals awarded.
Importantly, the accolades underscore a golden thread of excellence that runs through the Tokara portfolio. Just last month the winery emerged as the single best achiever in the WineMag.co.za 10-Year-Old Wine Awards. It was the highest scorer among top entrants, for the Tokara Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2007; Tokara Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 2007; and, Tokara Director’s Reserve Red Blend 2007.
At the heart of its success lies astute farming, the right varieties in the best locations and skill in the cellar. Tokara wines are made from top quality grapes exclusively from the farm’s own vineyards. As a result, a specific sense of place finds expression in the complexity and richness of Tokara wines. Balance, texture, elegance and the ability to age are their distinctive traits.
The winery itself lies among vineyards and olive groves on the crest of the Helshoogte Pass with views across False Bay. Tokara offers visitors a unique combination of award-winning wines, brandy and olive oils, a gallery of fine art, a restaurant featuring one of South Africa’s leading chefs as well as a delicatessen.