A Breif History of Tokar Estate Yarra Valley Winery
A Vineyard Is Born
When Leon and Rita Tokar purchased the property of Tokar Estate in June 1995, the land was covered in thistles, tussock grass and snakes. The plan was initially to produce grapes for their own consumption only – “to play at making wine ourselves, for ourselves” says Leon.
However, the fabulous positioning of the site coupled with the extremely fertile soils made it an ideal location to undertake a modest planting of Pinot Noir. With that, Leon Tokar’s vision was born and in 1996 the Vineyard itself was established, with 30 acres under vines and producing premium fruit by 1998.
Originally Leon and Rita purchased the property as a weekend getaway retreat. In November 1999, building of their home was complete and the Tokar family took up permanent residence in the Yarra Valley. Always the hospitable couple, with a strong passion for nurturing others,
Leon and Rita Tokar soon started entertaining friends and family members by opening up their cherished new home to all those wanting to get away from the ‘hustle and bustle’ of City living for a day or two.
Using their new home as a cellar door, good wine flowed as Rita prepared and served a delicious assortment of light lunches on the lush rolling lawns of the admired new estate. These occasions were not only extremely popular amongst their family friends, yet also, so personally rewarding for both Leon and Rita that it was not too long before the concept of making wines and meals on a larger scale was born. Resulting in the ‘creation’ of what is now proudly called Tokar Estate – a fabulous setting in the heart of the iconic Yarra Valley region.
Leave a Reply