Grootdrink Accommodation

The small Northern Cape town of Grootdrink (Big Drink) lies about seventy kilometers to the east of Upington, and somewhat surprising to many, is well known as being the centre of wine production in the Northern Cape. Wine is produced along between three and four hundred kilometers of the Orange River between Prieska and Augrabies. The name is not so much an invitation to heavy wine drinkers as to the availability of water, for wineries in the area relies almost entirely on irrigation from the river. Altogether, 4500 hectares of vineyards, both for wine and grape juice production purposes, are cultivated and under irrigation.

The Orange River, also known as the "Great Gariep", has been winding its way through this region's sun-drenched landscape for eons. The wine grapes of the region originate from more than 700 producers all along the riverbanks. The most common cultivars found along the river are colombar, chenin blanc, chardonnay, ruby cabernet, pinotage, merlot, shiraz, petit verdot, cabernet sauvignon, red and white muscadel.