For once the whole South African wine industry is looking at Orange River Cellars and the Northern Cape wine region. While the Western Cape wine grape crop is expected to be up to 30% lower than the average due to the crippling drought there, Orange River Cellars appears to be on course for a good, healthy crop.

“Yes, it is very hot in our region at the moment, but fortunately the farmers have water for their vineyards,” says Chris Venter, production manager: wine at Orange River Cellars. “Our harvest is about 14 days later than the average – beginning mostly with the ‘binnegrond’ vineyards (planted on the land along the river and its canals) – and intermittent bits during the second week of January. But currently the grapes are arriving at the various cellars in healthy volumes, and myself and the team of winemakers are very pleased with the analyses shown by the fruit. Our biggest grape cultivars are Chenin Blanc and Colombard. The pH levels that determine the balance in the wine are sitting at 3.5, which in wine circles is considered very healthy and conducive to making quality wine.”

Off-loading 10 tons of Colombard.

Like all wine people know, every harvest has its share of hiccups. And this year it is the uneven ripening in some of the regions. “Last week for example, we harvested for three days, and then things stood still for two days while the vine farmers waited for sugar levels to rise and grapes to be ready for picking.”

One reason for the healthy crop can be attributed to the wonderful resting period the region’s vineyards had during the winter. “Our cold units were good, just what the vines needed to take a breath and recuperate for the next phase of grape development,” he says.

As far as the water situation is concerned, things are completely normal, with the river levels normal for this time of year. “There was a bit of summer rain here and there, but not to the extent that any damage was done to the vineyards in terms of diseases. Everything is healthy on the farms and it looks like the rest of the harvest season will have the traits of a dry, warm year, with sufficient volumes to supply our markets with fine wine.”

The Northern Cape should know: the Western Cape wine industry will keep an eagle eye on it this year, being the only region in the country that won’t experience a dramatic drop in wine volumes.