Missing video
Sorry, this video could not be found.
A river runs through it
Orange River Wine Route
Vineyards along the Orange River Wine Route.
© Orange River Wine Cellars
Did you know?
A 2012 Viognier, produced at ORC's Uptington-based cellar, took top trophy-honours at the SA Young Wine Show.
The Orange River Wine Route covers South Africa’s largest wine producing region. Centered around Upington, the Orange River Cellars (ORC) comprise 6 wineries representing nearly 900 producers.
As a geographical unit, the Northern Cape Wine of Origin region in the Green Kalahari encompasses the far northern ward of Hartswater, the district of Douglas, and the Lower Orange – the locality of the Orange River Wine Route.
In a region where summer daytime temperatures can reach 37?C and dramatic thunderstorms often accompany the nominal spring-summer rainfall, the influence of the Orange River on the wines produced here is immense.
The river regulates the cool microclimate necessary for Orange River wine farms to produce quality grapes. Soil types deposited here over millennia, including alluvial deposits and granite, dolerite and shale, contribute depth and structure to the wines produced here.
With abundant water, sunshine, and a dry, virtually disease-free environment, conditions along the Orange River Wine Route are ideal for the mass planting of Sultana, Colombard, Chenin, and Hanepoort grapes. All of which go into the Orange River Wine Cellars multi-gold medal winning dessert wines, and best selling blended, and semi-sweet wines. A Sauvignon Blanc is a new addition to the region's white wine offering.
Currently only 3% of the vineyards along the Orange River Wine Route comprise red grape varieties. Winemakers though, are focusing on creating red wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Ruby Cabernet, Pinotage, and Petit Verdot grapes that reflect the regions extraordinary terroir.
Recently, ORC was named the country's top producer for Best Value wines (best value at a price of under R80 per bottle) for their Ruby Cabernet 2011, Rosé Natural Sweet 2012, White Muscadel 2011 and Red Jerepigo N/V.
Though you can comfortably visit all 5 cellars in 2 days – it's recommended to visit Keimoes, Kakamas and Upington on day 1; Groblershoop and Grootdrink on day 2. ORC also has a newer cellar at faraway Hartswater.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Orange River Wine Cellars
Tel: +27 (0)54 337 8800
Fax: +27 (0)54 332 4408
Email: admin@orangeriverwines.com
Mobi site: http://www.orangeriverwines.mobi/
How to get here
Fly to Upington Airport from Johannesburg or Cape Town, and hire a car. If driving from Johannesburg, take the N14 all the way to Upington, about a 9-hour drive. From Cape Town, take the N7 to Springbok, then take the N14 to Upington.
Around the area
The Green Kalahari is an ideal outdoor destination. Canoeing on the Orange River, 4x4 trails, quad biking, microlighting, horse riding, fishing, stargazing, and hunting are all options. The Augrabies Falls National Park, accessible from Upington, is a must-see.
Tours to do
Free cellar tours from January to March, Monday to Friday at 09h00, 11h00 and 15h00.
Get around
Distances between the cellars are vast, so you’ll need a car or the services of a tour operator.
What will it cost
A wine tasting will cost R10 for 5 wines and R20 for 10 wines. Orange River wines are exceptionally affordable with most costing as little as R30 a bottle.
Length of stay
You could do the entire route in 2 days, but best take your time and explore for a week or more.
What to pack
Good sun protection recommended all year round. Pack lightweight, cool clothing for summer, and a warm jacket for winter evenings and mornings.
What to eat
An abundance of game, sheep, and cattle means carnivores will be spoiled for choice. Sample regional and traditional dishes, and, in winter, scarce delicacies like the Kalahari desert truffle.
Best buys
Dessert and fortified wines, fresh grape juice, dried fruit.