A devastating fire swept through the Paarl area last night, destroying the vineyards, the cellar and houses on the historic Druk-My-Niet Wine Estate.

Western Cape Firefighters have been trying to contain the blaze since 11pm on Monday, but the wine estate could not be saved.

According to Paarl’s Incident Command Post spokesperson Justin Lawrence, the fire started just before midnight at the Du Toit’s cliff mountain and grew by the hour due to the strong winds.

Help needed

The Platter’s Wine Guide posted the following on facebook, appealing for public assistance:

The owners and foreman and their families have been displaced and have lost everything. Anyone wishing to help with donations is invited to please drop-off at RUSTENBERG ESTATE’S security gate in Idas Valley, STELLENBOSCH (from where the donations will be collected and transported to the farm in Paarl):

– Toothbrushes and toothpaste

– Shower gel

– Deodorant

– Shampoo

– Hairbrushes

– Towels

– Clothing (ladies sizes S and M/L; mens sizes M and L)

– Tog bags/rucksacks

Thank you for your help and kindness.