On the 17 December 2019, a
devastating wildfire destroyed Lismore
Winefarm in Greyton, Western Cape – the home and livelihood of
well-known pioneering farmer and winemaker, Samantha O’Keefe (48) and her two
children, Quinn (14) and Keenan (16).
The fire which
started in the nearby nature reserve and initially posed no threat to Lismore
is believed to have been started by children with malicious intent according to
Overberg fire chief, Reinard Geldenhuys.
Unexpectedly the
fire moved over to the vineyard and in no less than 30 minutes, the blaze had
destroyed Sam’s homestead, cellar and everything she had built over the last 17
years.
Greyton fire, South Africa.
Photo: Twitter/ Johann Van Tonder
In an act of bravery, Sam
drove into the blaze, hoping to rescue her farmworkers and animals.
Unfortunately, two cats and one dog didn’t survive the fires but fortunately
all staff members made it to safety.
Friends and
family have
travelled far and wide to count the losses and console the O’Keefe family
during this difficult time.
To help Sam cover some of
her immediate financial commitments and support her in the rebuilding of Lismore Winefarm, re-planting the vineyards,
re-building the family home and winemaking facilities, a crowdfunding campaign
has launched on BackaBuddy.
The campaign went live on
the 18 December 2019, and in less than 24 hours, over R224 000 has been raised
towards the fundraising target of R500 000 with contributions from 130 donors
both locally and abroad.
While Sam
is distraught by the tragedy, she remains hopeful that Lismore will be returned
to its former glory. The family are humbled and overwhelmed by the generous support
they have received from the Greyton community, previous patrons, as well as
friends and strangers from South Africa and all over the world.
Samantha
O’Keefe recently
became the sixth woman to be inducted into the prestigious Cape Winemakers
Guild.
“After countless setbacks
and immense challenges this wonderful woman has overcome. Sam even recently
became the sixth woman to be inducted into the prestigious Cape Winemakers
Guild. She has given her past and her future to build her dream” – says friend and campaign
creator, Floh Thiele.
Pictured above: Samantha
O’KeefeCredit: Courtesy of Lismore Estate Vineyards
To make a donation to help
rebuild Lismore, visit BackaBuddy:
“Let’s hold hands and unite
to help Sam rebuild her home, her farm, her life and everything else, which
brought so much joy to enthusiastic fans of her magnificent wines. We appeal to
anyone who has ever come in contact with this incredibly courageous and inspiring
woman to reach out!” says Floh.
Messages of support pour in
for Sam and her family:
- “Our thoughts are with you and
the boys, we are sure you will recover from the set back” – The Kings
you’ll be back before long.” – Darren Brogden
luck with everything. ” – Jim Gore – Global Wine Academy
once but admire the person you have become. Our thoughts and prayers are
with you.” – Anonymous
know you have a huge community out there supporting you in rising up again
” – Nicola
best times I’ve had in South Africa have been at your place. Sending you
love and strength. ” – Tim Atkin
Samantha, are there words to express what happened. So sorry for your
loss. Hope you find strength to get on your feet again soon and find
spirit to make great wines again. ” – Lisette Goeree