The Tops at Spar Orange River Winemaker of the Year Competition stormed into its second decade last night with a dazzling black croc and tie dinner at the Fanie Malan Primary School in Upington, the upcoming solar energy capital of SA. Spar liquor executive Mark Robinson (below) complemented the five wineries of the Orange River for the quality of their product and promised big things going forward.

Over a glass of Mumm Champagne on a deck of the Africa River Lodge above the great and greasy Groot Gariep this morning, Mark unveiled some of the changes envisaged for the eleven year old competition. First up is a donation of R50,000 for community upliftment initiatives to involve the whole Orange River community in the project to bring a taste of the Green Kalahari to the rest of the country. A small start perhaps but a commitment from SA’s largest liquor retailer who already is headline sponsor of the Gugulethu and Soweto Wine Festivals with one in Umlazi scheduled for March or May next year.