(via Tokara's Rare Plant Fair & Open Garden 2024 )
Tokara's Rare Plant Fair & Open Garden 2024 Tokara invites the public to enjoy a day of botanical splendour at the Rare Plant Fair and Open Garden on Saturday, 26 October 2024. This special event usually occurs in autumn but was postponed due to the devastating Cape storms.
This year, it will be part of the Stellenbosch Garden Town festival, one of South Africa's most celebrated garden lifestyle events, which runs from Friday, 25 October to Sunday, 3 November 2024.
Experience Tokara in all its glory as this renowned Stellenbosch family wine and olive estate opens its private farm garden to the public. The annual Rare Plant Fair features exhibitors from far and wide, presenting a unique opportunity for gardening enthusiasts to acquire rare and exotic plants.
Cultivate your own spring retreat from a diverse selection of indigenous and exotic flora available for purchase on the day. Stroll through tranquil garden paths adorned with magnificent sculptures by local artists. Highlights include terraces of the picking garden, serene wetlands, a textural cork oak forest, and a babbling mountain stream flowing into soothing lily ponds.
Discover the dedicated oasis of indigenous flora and the extraordinary Adamastor Moss Garden, a continually evolving masterpiece. The past two years have seen the remarkable integration of local sandstone, granite, indigenous mosses, and fynbos in the Moss Garden.
This year, the garden's beauty is further enhanced by hand-chiselled Paarl granite pieces, creating a kaleidoscope of muted hues and textures. The newly completed hewn stone lintels framing the garden invite visitors to experience the tranquil beauty reminiscent of a Japanese-inspired South African landscape.
Moss garden expert Gert van Tonder and his team will conduct guided tours daily. Besides delicious nourishments and refreshments in the farmyard, Tokara will be well represented with its elegant wines and award-winning extra virgin olive oils.
This year, you can pre-order a picnic box filled with local delicacies from the Tokara Delicatessen. The Rare Fare Picnic Box for two is available at R495 for adults and R150 for children and can be ordered via email at [email protected] before 23 October 2024.
Collect your picnic at the Boathouse next to the unique Dionysus sculpture and enjoy a leisurely meal on the rolling lawns below the main house. Event Details The Tokara Rare Plant Fair and Open Garden 2024 is open from 08h00 to 16h00. Entry is R100 per vehicle, payable at the gate on the day. The Tokara Tasting Lounge, Restaurant, and Delicatessen will be open as usual on Saturday. For more information, visit www.rareplantfair.co.za or email [email protected].
Diary Listing Information:
Date: Saturday, 26 October 2024 Time: 08h00 – 16h00 Tickets: R100 per vehicle, payable on the day at the farm gate. No pre-booked tickets are available. Proceeds will go to the Camphill Farm Community in Hermanus, a dynamic community for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Food and Other Refreshments will be available at stalls in the Farmyard.
Pre-paid Picnics: Rare Fare Picnic Boxes at R495 for two adults and R150 for children, book via [email protected] before Monday 21 October 2024, collect at the Boathouse and enjoy on the big lawn.
Venue: Tokara Wine Estate, Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch
Contact: [email protected], www.rareplantfair.co.za Join us at Tokara for an unforgettable celebration of Spring and botanical treasures amidst the captivating landscape of the Simonsberg Mountains.
About Tokara Wine Estate Tokara Wine Estate is situated on the slopes of the Simonsberg mountain in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Founded on the forward-thinking vision of owners GT and Anne-Marie Ferreira, Tokara's unwavering commitment to producing world-class wines without compromise and with a distinct South African identity has positioned it as a beacon of excellence in the winemaking industry.
With a special focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, Tokara consistently delivers exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of Stellenbosch. In addition to their acclaimed wines, Tokara also produces award-winning olive oil, showcasing their dedication to quality and innovation in every product. For more information about Tokara, visit www.tokara.com.
JOIN CELEBRATED CHEF AND CHARCUTERIE WHIZZ NEIL JEWELL FOR A HANDS-ON CHARCUTERIE WORKSHOP
Join celebrated chef and charcuterie whizz Neil Jewell for a hands-on Charcuterie Workshop at Jewell’s Restaurant at Spice Route Destination in Paarl on Saturday 27 July 2024 . Learn how to make your own charcuterie as Neil demonstrates the whole process from butchery to brining and seasoning. Neil’s passion lies in his homemade artisanal charcuterie that he prepares with mountains of patience and bucket loads of love, using pork, beef and lamb from neighbouring Fairview.You'll also get to make your own sausages and enjoy a delicious lunch at Jewell’s.
Venue: Jewell’s Restaurant at Spice Route Destination in Paarl
Date: Saturday 27 July 2024
Time: 09h00 – 16h30
Cost: R2750 per person
Bring your own apron
How to Book: Email [email protected] to secure your spot.Spaces are limited, so book early!
Neil Jewell, together with his wife Tina, a baker par excellence, are at the helm of Jewell’s, the highly acclaimed farm-to-table eatery at Spice Route Destination in Paarl. The open-kitchen restaurant has comfortable yet sophisticated-country style indoor seating, with fire places for winter, as well as outdoor seating with picturesque views of the Simonsberg Mountains and Table Mountain. Experience dining perfection at Jewell’s where the freshest ingredients meet culinary expertise. Enjoy a journey through sustainable dining, discovering the harmony between taste, nature and nourishment with every plate.
JEWELL’S AT SPICE ROUTE DESTINATION
Situated on the slopes of the scenic Paarl Mountain, Jewell’s is a mere 45-minute drive from Cape Town.
Delheim's Icon Grand Reserve Bordeaux-blend Shows Excellence of 2020 Vintage
The latest release of Delheim Estate’s icon Grand Reserve underscores the fact that 2020 is set to be one of the best red wine vintages the Cape has experienced in recent memory. Delheim Grand Reserve, the red Bordeaux-style blend from this renowned estate in Stellenbosch’s Simonsberg appellation, has – since its maiden 1981 vintage – garnered a reputation as one of South Africa’s foremost red…
A Sense of Place We tasted @tokarawine’s white wines while viticulturist, Aidan Morton and @karllambour described how time and terroir have helped to shape Tokara’s story 📍 Tokara Elgin Reserve Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Aidan describes Elgin’s cool climatic conditions as a natural handbrake. He says that these Elgin vineyards yield 8 or 9 tonnes per hectare of Sauvignon Blanc. These great climatic conditions have resulted in a wine that is reflective of Elgin’s signature richness. 📍 Tokara Reserve Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2022 With the embrace of stone fruit, hazelnut and vanilla this Chardonnay gives the richness one hopes for and the vibrance one desires. 📍 Director’s Reserve White 2020 A Sauvignon/Semillon blend from the famed slopes of the Simonsberg. Tropical fruit and citrus, burnish with poise and panache #TasteLetsSee #Tokara (at Marble Johannesburg) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp2rVJdK0rb/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
The Best Glamping Getaways in The Western Cape Series: Part 1
Wake up in nature, without having to forego your daily luxuries.
As life becomes louder and more chaotic, escaping into nature – without having to forego creature comforts – has become ever more appealing. Say hello to glamping (glam camping)!
A winning combination of indoor luxury and the great outdoors, glamping offers all the perks of nature (spectacular views, swims in rockpools, etc) and strips away all the bugbears of regular camping (dust, bugs, shared ablutions) – transforming it into a luxury experience.
As the demand for luxury-camping accommodation in the Western Cape has increased, there’s been a proliferation of glamping offerings in all shapes and forms – from canvas-sided cabins in the woods to riverside luxury tents – perfect for any season. So pack your puffers and hit the road!
Check in as we share a new glamping accommodation option in this series.
Camp Canoe
Tucked among lush fynbos, olive trees and boulders on the rustic side of the Simonsberg Mountains at Boschendal Wine Estate, the newly opened (and entirely independent) Camp Canoe takes centre stage in Franschhoek. Far removed from the wine estate’s foot traffic, guests are encouraged to switch off, unwind and reconnect with nature. The aesthetic is playfully retro and utterly gorgeous, reminiscent of an old-school summer scout camp (right down to Tupperware in the kitchen). Waking to birdsong from the comfort of a sumptuous bed, before embarking on a day of little adventures (be it epicurean or outdoorsy) is a special kind of luxury. You might want to stay put, though – the setting and views are lovely, with the tents skirting the edge of a sparkling dam. Hammocks and a hot tub do tend to encourage idling the hours away. This is one for the bucket list!
CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON DAY ON 31ST AUGUST
WITH MURATIE’S MARTIN MELCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018
On International Cabernet Day on 31st August the wine world celebrates the undisputed king of red varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon – the most widely planted red grape variety from which some of the world’s greatest red wines are produced.A noble wine with an impressive pedigree, with the potential for fruit, elegance, power, complexity, consistency, acidity and aging, Cabernet Sauvignon's got it all.
THERE IS SO MUCH TO LOVE ABOUT CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Look for the signature aroma of black currant, and from there, depending on the wine's age and how much time it spent in barrels, aromas and/or flavours can include gorgeous notes of plums, blackberry, black cherry, blueberry, raspberry, mint, violet, eucalyptus, anise, vanilla, clove, chocolate, coffee, liquorice, tobacco, green pepper, black pepper, spice, leather and smoke.
CELEBRATE CABERNET DAY WITH MURATIE MARTIN MELCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018
To celebrate International Cabernet Day, Muratie invites you to explore the many delights of their highly acclaimed Martin Melck Cabernet grown on the slopes of the majestic Simonsberg in Stellenbosch. With its unique combination of ancient soils, sites, skilled winemakers and a Mediterranean climate with maritime influences, Stellenbosch is establishing itself as the ‘Kingdom of Cabernet’ in the South African winelands. The Simonsberg ward, one of Cabernet’s ancestral homes, is Stellenbosch’s most revered Cabernet Sauvignon producing region – the jewel in the crown!
The food: Enjoy the Muratie Martin Melck Cabernet Sauvignon with Slow-Braised Karoo-Style Lamb Shanks.
Purchase: Muratie Martin Melck Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is available at the estate, online athttps://www.muratie.co.za/wine/buy-wine/ and at select fine wine merchants around the country.
A Persistent Finish @holdenmanzwineestate Chenin Blanc 2021, the current release was hewn from vines planted in 1982 in the Paarl/Simonsberg area. 12,000 bottles are produced every year, 70% of which are sent to Germany, the wine’s biggest market. 20% stainless steel, 80% barrel fermented, the wine spends six months on the lees. @holden.gerard says that this is to ensure a more reductive than oxidative taste. With stone fruit and pineapple characteristics and a slightly toasty finish, I imagine this would be a sublime pairing with mussels cooked in white wine, garlic and cream and bread smeared with all the butter you can find. Art: @upstartgalleries Jibril Linjoun Achou, Italian Touch Collage on canvas, 2021 #TasteLetsSee #Blacc2016 #HoldenManz #TheCatalystHotel (at The Catalyst Hotel) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClCV2iWKiQF/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=