The 2026 vintage has been deemed a complete failure, but current vintages are still available. Photo: Fowles Wine via Facebook.
Fowles Wine owners Matt and Luise Fowles have confirmed their vineyard was destroyed during the fires in Longwood.
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They described the events of Thursday, January 8 as “catastrophic” to their land and livestock.
“On the morning of 8th January, catastrophic fire conditions saw a blaze originating at Longwood move rapidly into our vineyard sites,” Mr Fowles said.
“By mid-morning, fire had run through both the Upton Run and Billi’s vineyards, destroying all 300 acres of vines across our 1800-acre farm and leading to significant livestock loss.
During the initial fire front, Matt remained on-site alongside the CFA and friends, successfully protecting the family home through the first impact.
However, on the evening of January 8, with worsening conditions forecast, the difficult decision was made to leave the property.
On January 9, ongoing ember attacks ultimately led to the loss of the Fowles family home of 20 years.
“We are grateful to confirm that the winery facility was successfully protected by the CFA,” Mr Fowles said.
Further along the valley at Creightons Creek, the Fowles family farm at Killeen was also impacted.
Approximately half of the property has been burnt.
Fortunately, there were no livestock losses at Killeen, and the historic homestead and stables were saved.
The couple extended thanks to the CFA and those involved in fighting the fires.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the CFA and all emergency services for their extraordinary courage and commitment, particularly for their efforts in saving the winery facility and Killeen family home,” they said.
“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our community, industry colleagues and friends over recent days.
“Our thoughts are also with the many other families who have lost homes, livelihoods and land in these fires.”
Due to the impact of the fire, the 2026 vintage will be a “100 per cent failure”, however the winery facility in the Strathbogie Ranges has survived, as well as the warehouse, cellar door and restaurant in Avenel.
The vineyards were lost, along with a significant amount of livestock.
The team is still selling its current vintages, including wines through to the 2025 releases.
“While it is too early to determine the long-term path forward for the vineyard, we will continue to communicate openly as plans develop,” they said.
“We fully intend to continue the business we have worked so hard on and loved for so long.
“The loss is hard to fathom, but we're extremely grateful that our family and the Fowles team are all safe.
“Moments like these remind us how fragile life is, and how deeply connected we all are to the land and to one another.”
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