An Amazing Winemaker - Samantha O'Keefe Featured

Samantha's wine story begins with her move from California to Greyton, a quaint spot in the cool climate region of Overberg, as she sought a better life for herself and her family. The location she fell in love with, the Riviersonderend Ranch, sits at 300 meters high at the foot of a mountain, creating ideal conditions where the vines are cooled by winter snow, then nurtured by the African summer sun, resulting in a remarkable production of handcrafted cool climate wines – a brave step at the time.

She bought a dairy farm, turning it into a vineyard with the aim of producing outstanding wines in the Burgundian style. She built her own house and winery, planting vines across the 25 hectares suited for viticulture.

Without any background or training in winemaking and having previously worked in television in LA, Samantha saw winemaking as more than just producing wines; it was a way to build meaningful beginnings for her family.

The journey was tough for the single mother of two teenagers, costing her strength and money, bringing her close to giving up her dream of becoming a winemaker and returning to California. However, it was thanks to Robert Parker's amazing reviews in the Wine Advocate of her wines, followed closely by Tim Atkin praising her Viogniers, that her wines gained international recognition and turned Lismore Estate Vineyards into a resounding success.

In 2018, Samantha became the sixth woman to join the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild.

What sounds like a happy ending took an abrupt turn on December 17, 2019, when a massive wildfire razed her farm, destroying many of her vines. Fortunately, no one was harmed, and most pets were evacuated safely in time.

Samantha's dream was reduced to ashes, and with it, her initial determination to continue. Grappling with the question of purpose, she ultimately declared, "because I love what I do," and rolled up her sleeves.

Thankfully, her main wine stock was in Stellenbosch, enabling her to keep her business going, even though there would be no Lismore 2019 Estate available on the market. Colleagues across the wine industry immediately rallied to support her, which she credits for propelling her forward. With the 2020 harvest approaching, there were offers of grapes, barrels, and cellar space – "so many help stories from people she barely knew." Online funds were set up and collected donations from around the world, allowing us to continue savoring Samantha's extraordinary wines, which stand among the finest South Africa has to offer.

Wishing you a lovely rest of the week…

(Offers valid until 20.5)

Warm regards,

Thomas Curry

Curry Premium Wines OHG

Stefanie & Thomas Curry

Landsberger Str. 63 b

D-86938 Schondorf

www.currypremiumwines.de

T +49 (0) 8192- 934715

F +49 (0) 8192- 934714

HRA 17407

Amtsgericht Augsburg