THE FUSE

Brad O’Neill, a third-generation sugarcane farmer from the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, has built a remarkable journey blending family heritage, sustainable farming, and craft distilling. Born into the O’Neill family, Brad grew up on Seafield Farm, where he learned the fundamentals of sugarcane cultivation and mixed farming under the guidance of his parents. In 2000, he left for Stellenbosch to study sports science, but he soon found himself drawn to the wine industry. He enrolled at the Cape Wine Academy, gaining hands-on experience in viticulture, winemaking, marketing, and logistics. During this time, he met Marisa, a Cape Town native and fellow student, who would become his partner in life, farming, and business.