Greyton Wildfires Destroy Beautiful Lismore Estate Vineyards

18 December 2019

SOUTH AFRICA – Friends, colleagues and customers have expressed their “heartbreak” and “devastation” for O’Keefe over the loss of the amazing estate she created, which brought accolades to South Africa.

Tuesday was Day Seven of the fires which broke out on last Wednesday late afternoon. Firefighters have been on the scene, but were struggling against extreme winds and rapidly changing conditions.

Greyton Fire Possibly Started by Children

Overberg fire chief Reinard Geldenhuys told eNCA: “We believe two children set it in what we call a malicious ignition, we are busy with the investigation and we have a good idea who they are and we’re pursuing that.” (Watch below.)

Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, Geldenhuys said at least four structures had been burnt along with vineyards and orchards, but that the town of Greyton had been protected.

He said there has been chaos and fear with winds changing direction. “It was uncontrollable. It was dangerous.”

The History of Samantha O’Keefe’s Beautiful Lismore Estate Vineyard

Samantha O’Keefe is originally from Los Angeles, and took a huge risk when she and her then husband bought a farm in 2000 outside Greyton in an untested wine region, and created their dream home and a winery that’s become admired around the world.

O’Keefe went through hell before success was showered upon her – her husband left suddenly on the eve of Lismore’s first harvest in 2008. And a few months later, the global financial crisis hit. She had to borrow millions, and then sell off 20% of the property to pay back the loan.

But O’Keefe’s luck changed in 2012 when friends pooled funds to buy her a ticket to London, so that she could participate in a wine show… where an important reviewer from Robert Parker changed her life after tasting her delicious wine. Neal Martin said: “I hope you have distribution, because when people read my report they’ll be banging down your door.” He gave her Chardonnay and Viognier 92 points.

Samantha O’Keefe went from being a newcomer to winemaking to making highly touted wine. On Tuesday evening her farm was allegedly destroyed by wildfire. Credit: Courtesy of Lismore Estate Vineyards.

That’s when things started to change, for the better and O’Keefe’s success as a virgin winemaker became as captivating as her wines.

Just last Wednesday, she excitedly opened her Lismore Tasting Room in Greyton.

Calls to Support Lismore

Today, according to Facebook posts from friends “a blazing fire has destroyed everything”.

But many who know O’Keefe said they believe she will rise like the Phoenix from the ashes. An overseas visitor to Lismore Estate, Udo Göebel MV, said their good memories from her awesome place will always remain, “stay strong as you have always been… It will be hard and tough but you will come out of the current misery.”

Shan Pascall, Marketing and operations manager at Oneiric Wines, said late Tuesday night: “All my thoughts this evening go out to one incredible woman, an unbelievable spirit and winemaker Samantha O’Keefe. In all our thoughts our special friend. I can’t even imagine. I am devastated for you beyond words and sending you so much love.

“For those that don’t know Sam, you should know her wine, seek it out, buy a bottle, hell buy a case, let’s get Lismore back on its feet with this small but significant gesture at this incredibly sad time. #fightingfires #sendinglove #wishesforrain #shocked.”

Many have already responded, vowing to buy a case.

One friend added: “Hell, I am even ready to fly from Australia to help with anything. Sam is an amazing human being and must be reminded that we are all here for her.”

Overberg Fire services said the wildfire still poses a huge threat and will take days to stop.

Fundraisers have been set up to help Sam and her children. Please see bottom of page.

18. December 2019/by GFMCadmin