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Orange River pops corks to welcome first canoe marathon

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in the news » Orange River pops corks to welcome first canoe marathon
published on: 20 March 2012      source: Orange River Wine Cellars
 
The first Green Kalahari Canoe Marathon, which is to be held from Upington to Augrabies in the Northern Cape at month's end, will not only expose entrants to the majestic and natural wonders of the Orange River, but will also throw a spotlight on one of the world's most unique wine regions.
The Green Kalahari Canoe Marathon, to be held from 22 to 24 March, will take paddlers along the green carpet of the Orange River winelands' famous vineyards and give spectators and a national television audience a glimpse into this special wine-making region.

According to Koos Visser, marketing manager for Orange River Cellars who are one of the headline sponsors of the Green Kalahari Canoe Marathon, this event forms an ideal platform from which to create an increased awareness of the Orange River's wine region.

"Our wines offer something no other South African wine region has - a rare natural heritage emanating from a wilderness that includes two of the country's greatest physical features, namely the Orange River and the Kalahari Desert," says Visser. "This sense of adventure and the wilderness experience the Green Kalahari Canoe Marathon embodies is what the wines of Orange River Cellars are associated with. Just as these paddlers will tame the Orange River, our winemakers have created a viticultural wonderland in a wilderness area, offering wines that express the unspoilt wonder of nature."

During the event entrants, supporters and spectators will have ample opportunity to try the diverse range of wines for themselves. Orange River Cellars will also brand much of the route and visitors will be able to taste wines at one of the company's five wineries - Keimoes, Kakamas, Upington, Grootdrink and Groblershoop.

The three-day stage race will commence from Upington and traverse 99 kilometres downstream towards Augrabies.

According to event organiser Gawie Nieuwoudt, the race is an ideal way to market the winelands of the Orange River. "As a grape farmer myself, I know just how unique this area is as a wine region," he says. “We are far removed from the traditional images most people have of the South African wine industry. Hopefully the exposure the region gets from the Green Kalahari Canoe Marathon will urge more people to recognise this area as a gem of a tourist destination and a very special, one-of-its-kind wine area."

According to Dianna Martin, GM marketing and promotions at the Northern Cape Tourism Authority, this event promises to be an exciting addition to the Northern Cape's event calendar. "The Northern Cape is positioning itself as the premier destination for adventure and adrenaline sports and an event such as the Green Kalahari Canoe Marathon will definitely showcase some of our province's exciting offerings. The Orange River and Augrabies Falls are undoubtedly amongst our most precious natural assets and this will be an excellent opportunity for visitors to explore the Green Kalahari region," mentions Martin.

Entries are now open and can be done online at www.gkcm.co.za. 
 
 
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