Situated high on the crest of the Helshoogte pass between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, Tokara produces elegant wines, a small quantity of five-year old pot still brandy, as well as award winning olive oils. The modern boutique-style production plant was the first in South Africa to produce a single varietal olive oil range. 

Last week Thursday we visited the Tokara Olive Shed for olive oil tasting and lunch. Surrounded by breathtaking views, we enjoyed 4 Olive Oil tastings from Tokara. The Tokara range of olive oils includes Mission, Frantoio, Leccino and a multi-varietal blend as well as a handcrafted Tokara Premium olive oil. I learnt so much about how olive oil is produced, graded and why it is called extra-virgin olive oil.

Extra-virgin olive oil is the highest-quality olive oil you can buy. It is an unrefined oil and there are very specific standards the oil has to meet in order to be called “extra-virgin”. Tokara extra-virgin olive oil has a lower level of oleic acid (less than 1%) and is rich in natural vitamins and minerals. There are no chemicals in the extra-virgin olive oil and the temperature is not altered, which gives it the distinct flavour and colour.

Image credit: Tokara Olive Shed

Image credit: Tokara Olive Shed

Image credit: Tokara Olive Shed

Anne-Marie Ferreira, founding member of the Olive Shed, recalls what her motivation was to plant olive trees on Tokara at a time when the South African olive oil industry was virtually nonexistent. “Our family is passionate about wine and food, and both elements play such a vital role in bringing family and friends together. It therefore made absolute sense for us to plant olives to produce quality extra virgin olive oil that would complement our quality wine range.

At Tokara, the approach to olive oil is also about changing perceptions of how it is consumed. “You can add it to anything and that’s what we wish to convey to our consumers.” says Gert, Tokara’s olive oil maker. “From drizzling it over a salad, to adding it to a minestrone soup, or even incorporating it in desserts – it’s such a natural, healthy and versatile ingredient.”

Tokara Frantoio Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Tasting notes: Intense olive flavour with robust fruitness.

Food pairing: Vegetable soups, grilled and baked vegetables or drizzled on red meat.

Black pepper sirloin with cauliflower and gruyere puree, kale and Klein Rivier Gruyere.

Wood over roasted mushroom slice with rocket pistou, radish salsa and Hugeunot cheese.

Tokara  Premium Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Tasting notes: Rich and creamy, balanced by dominant fruit, tingling pepper tones and a pleasant bitterness.

Food pairing: Enjoy generously on salads, dipped in bread or on red meats and in marinades.

Beef carpaccio with black pepper grissini and balsamic vinegar.

Baby marrow risotto with grated parmesan and crisp, pine nuts, pea shoots and roast lemon cream.

Tokara Estate Blend Extra-Virgin Olive Oil 

Tasting notes: Intense green olive and green tomato leaf flavour aromas on the nose with hints of olive fruit, tomato and rocket on the palette.

Food pairing: Enjoy generously on salads, dipped in bread or on red meats and in marinades.

Home smoked trout with rocket, puffed grains and wasabi lemon dressing.

Egg custard with gorgonzola, tomato, avocado and tapenade.

Tokara Multi-Varietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Tasting notes: The fusion of the three varietal (Frantoio, leccino and mission) olive oils has a full fruit character rounded with a herbaceous and spicy flavours.

Food pairing: General use in stir-fry or deep-fry. On meats, sautes, in pasta sauces or on salads.

Soft chocolate ganache tart with walnut, salt and caramel.

Olive oil cake with vanilla ice cream, lemon zest, ginger, pine nuts and white balsamic jelly.

Tokara Extra Virgin Olive Oils are available at Woolworths, Checkers and selected Spar and delicatessen outlets, as well as directly from the Tokara estate tasting facility.

Tokara is open 9am-5pm weekdays and 10am-3pm on Saturdays and Sundays. For further information visit www.tokara.com, email wine@tokara.com or phone 021 808 5900.

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Love and light,

Megan