How and why was Orange River Cellars established?
Orange River Cellars (ORC) was launched in 1965 as a co-operative to create an outlet for wine grapes produced in the region once the Orange River Irrigation Scheme took effect in 1966.
ORC's Upington Cellar was built in 1967 and had its first harvest the following year. At the time, it produced only three types of wine: a dry white, a semi-sweet and a sweet.
From the 1970s onwards, production increased substantially, leading to the establishment of wine cellars in Keimoes, Grootdrink, Groblershoop and Kakamas, as well as juice cellars in Kanoneiland and Grootdrink.
Its product range also expanded to include a wide variety of single-cultivar and blended still wines, brandies, fortified wines, and even gin.
How was the co-operative structured?
Each farmer had a quota to deliver a certain volume of wine each season, and the co-operative's profits were shared between the farmers.
Producers who wanted
