Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday spent screening 105 wines for the annual Tops @ Spar Orange River Winemaker of the Year Competition with Tinus van Niekerk and Abe Beukes at the plush Kalahari River Lodge in Upington. The tasting room is literally littered with Persian carpets.

Alas some of the judges can’t stand the pace. The one above was overcome by Chenin Blanc, the best performing white cultivar this year. The two below seem to be in better shape.