Another year, another midweek weekend at the Africa River Lodge in Upington to screen wines for next month’s Tops @ Spar Orange River Winemaker of the Year Competition. 2011 is the 10th running of the event, so the river gods organized an impromptu Persian carpet fair on the deck above the Groot Gariep. Contemplation of Colombars and Chenins (why do the most successful cultivars up here all start with the letter “c”?) is relieved by a kaleidoscope of colour.

Carpets and Chenin

Amir from Oman cuts out the middleman and a medium-sized mat for a modest tasting room will set you back R2K. Can’t wait to tackle the Muscadels as those exotic flavours of Eastern promise should match the floor coverings to a T. Also arriving at Upington’s all-singing, all-dancing international airport yesterday were a couple of Arabs in full regalia – brave kit two days after the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Could they be a pair of Saudi Princes, owners of the hunting lodge just outside of town?