We noticed that there are large plantations along the Orange River when we saw them on a previous trip through the Richtersveld National Park. Back in Swakopmund, we learned about what is grown there: grapes, dates, and citrus fruits.

One of these farms, called ORVI, belongs to the owner of Transworld Cargo, a large transport company in Namibia. When we got our vehicle from Mexico in Walvis Bay in November 2020, a Transworld Cargo employee handled the import to our complete satisfaction. We later learned from her that her boss is the owner of the ORVI farm. One more reason to visit this farm.

We did that on March 7, 2025, on our trip along the Orange River. Shortly before Aussenkehr, we came across vast grape yards and the ORVI company sign. The owner wasn’t on site, but Samuel, a knowledgeable employee, showed us how table grapes are grown here on a large scale, some of which are even exported to Europe. A large portion of the grapes, however, are dried to make raisins.

The finest grapes are used to produce a delicious brandy. We bought two bottles of the 12 years old – one goes to Swakopmund, the other to Kandersteg. Santé!

PS: If you want to know more about ORVI and the Distillate, read here.