Fires fanned by strong south easterly winds, spread across and over the Groenland Mountain on
31 December, burning a large portion of the conservation fynbos area of Paul Cluver Wines. The site forms an integral part of the Kogelberg Biosphere, a UNESCO World Heritage site and is part of the Groenland Conservancy .
Fire fighting teams battled through the night and the first few days of the new year to keep the flames away from vineyards and orchards. Smoke damage to the higher lying Sauvignon blanc and Pinot noir vineyards does not seem to be a problem at this stage. Harvest 2010 is expected to commence third week in February. "The prevailing wind blew the smoke away from the vineyards and as the grapes are either pre-veraison or going through veraison, we should be fine" said winemaker Andries Burger. "But to confirm this, we will send grapes off for testing in the next month."
Sadly the greatest damage appears to be to the conserved "fynbos". "Some species which were thought to be extinct have only recently been rediscovered in our mountain fynbos - in particular the Erica patens. We hope we have not lost this rare flora", said Paul Clüver.
Dr. Clüver, founder of Paul Cluver Wines and pioneer of wine in Elgin, who sustained serious injuries fighting the fire, is recovering well and has been released from hospital. The family is grateful to everyone who has sent their good wishes and prayers to Dr Clüver for a speedy recovery.
