Lismore
Summary
Lismore Estate Vineyards is a boutique winery founded by American-born Samantha O'Keefe in the cool-climate Greyton area of South Africa's Overberg region, where high elevation and significant temperature variations yield distinctive Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Syrah, and Pinot Noir. O'Keefe's minimal-intervention winemaking philosophy and pioneering spirit have established her as a trailblazer in this previously uncharted viticultural territory, demonstrating remarkable resilience by rebuilding after a devastating 2019 wildfire destroyed her facilities.
Heritage & Leadership
Lismore Estate Vineyards was established by American-born Samantha O'Keefe in the Overberg region of South Africa's Western Cape. O'Keefe, who relocated from California, pioneered viticulture in the cool-climate area of Greyton, becoming the first to plant vineyards in this previously uncharted wine territory. The estate faced a devastating setback in December 2019 when wildfires swept through the property, destroying O'Keefe's home and winery facilities. Despite this profound loss, O'Keefe committed to rebuilding, continuing to produce wines while reconstructing the estate's infrastructure. Her perseverance through this challenge has become an integral part of Lismore's narrative in the South African wine landscape.
Vineyards & Wines
Lismore's vineyards are situated in Greyton, approximately 100 kilometers east of Cape Town in the Overberg region. The property benefits from its position at the foothills of the Riviersonderend Mountain Range, where cooler temperatures create conditions similar to those found in certain European wine regions. The vineyards are planted with Syrah, Viognier, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, with additional parcels dedicated to Pinot Noir. This cool-climate terroir, characterized by significant diurnal temperature variations, allows for extended ripening periods that develop complexity while maintaining natural acidity in the grapes. Lismore produces a range of single-varietal wines that express the distinctive characteristics of this unique growing area.
Philosophy & Practice
Lismore's winemaking approach centers on minimal intervention techniques that allow the terroir to express itself through the wines. O'Keefe employs traditional methods including natural fermentation and judicious use of oak to craft wines that balance Old World restraint with New World fruit expression. The estate's production remains deliberately small-scale, enabling careful attention to each vineyard block and resulting wine. Following the 2019 fire, Lismore has continued production through collaborative arrangements with other facilities while rebuilding its own winery. Throughout this transition, O'Keefe has maintained her commitment to producing site-specific wines that reflect Greyton's distinctive growing conditions, reinforcing Lismore's position as a pioneer in this emerging South African wine region.