Fire Destroys 300 Acres of Vines at Fowles Wines, 2026 Vintage Lost

A major fire has caused significant damage to Fowles Wines, a well-known winery in the Strathbogie Ranges of Victoria, Australia. The fire swept through the 1,800-acre property, destroying the family home, about 300 acres of vineyards, and much of the livestock. Despite these losses, the winery’s owner, Matt Fowles, has pledged to rebuild and continue operations.

In a statement released today, Matt Fowles emphasized the resilience of his family and team. He said that while it is too soon to know exactly how the vineyard will recover in the long term, they are committed to keeping the public informed as plans develop. Fowles expressed gratitude that no one from his family or staff was injured during the fire. He also highlighted how moments like this underscore the fragility of life and the importance of community connections.

The fire threatened several structures on the property, but thanks to the efforts of the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and other emergency services, the main winery building and the Killeen family home were saved. Fowles extended his thanks to these responders for their courage and commitment during the crisis.

The impact on production is severe. The 2026 vintage will be a total crop failure due to the destruction of so many vines. However, Fowles confirmed that their winery facility in Strathbogie Ranges survived intact. Their warehouse, cellar door, and restaurant in nearby Avenel were not affected by the fire. This means that current vintages and wines up to the 2025 releases remain available for customers.

Support from within the wine industry and local community has been strong since news of the fire broke. Fowles said they have received many offers of fruit from other growers for future vintages. He described this generosity as humbling during such a difficult time.

The fire at Fowles Wines is part of a broader series of blazes affecting families and businesses across Victoria this season. Many others have lost homes, land, and livelihoods. Fowles acknowledged these shared hardships in his statement, expressing sympathy for all those impacted.

Fowles Wines is known for its cool-climate wines and has been a fixture in Victoria’s wine tourism industry for years. The business has built a reputation for hospitality at its Avenel cellar door and restaurant, which continue to operate as normal despite the recent disaster.

As recovery efforts begin, Fowles Wines faces a challenging road ahead but remains determined to rebuild with help from its community and industry partners.