Fowles Wines Rebuilds After Bushfire Devastation
Strathbogie Ranges, 12 January 2026 – Fowles Wines, a family-run vineyard in Victoria’s Strathbogie Ranges, faced immense challenges after a ferocious bushfire destroyed its 1,400-acre property, including 300 acres of vines, three houses, and hundreds of sheep. Despite the shock, owner Matt Fowles and his team received overwhelming support from the wine industry, highlighting the resilience of Australia’s wine community.
The Bushfire’s Impact
The fire, which raged through the property in just 45 minutes, left nothing untouched. Matt Fowles described the scene as frightening, with flames spreading rapidly due to 40-degree temperatures and 90-kilometre winds. He initially managed to save the family home but lost it the following day when embers reignited the blaze. The microbat pest control program, a unique initiative using bats for natural pest management, was also completely destroyed. Matt expressed heartbreak over the loss, noting it was “done” and “broken.”
Despite the devastation, Matt praised the volunteer firefighters for their incredible hard work and teamwork. He shared that he had not slept much and was still in shock, but the outpouring of kindness helped lift his spirits. Offers of housing poured in, with people willing to vacate their homes for the Fowles family. Industry colleagues provided fruit to help restart operations, and Matt received thousands of text messages of support.
Industry Support and Future Plans
Matt described the support as “insane,” with wineries he knew and those he did not contacting him to offer assistance. This response reminded him of the wine industry’s special nature, even amidst difficulties. While feeling stumped about next steps, Matt expressed optimism that ideas would flow once the shock subsided. His priority remained securing a roof over his head for his family, and he planned to take time to process the events before rebuilding.
Fowles Wines, known for its community vibe and innovative projects like the bat system, continues to inspire admiration. The family’s solid business approach and willingness to try new things have made it a standout in the region.
Key Facts and Figures
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Property Size | 1,400 acres |
| Vineyard Loss | 300 acres of vines |
| Other Losses | Three houses, hundreds of sheep |
| Fire Duration | 45 minutes |
| Weather Conditions | 40°C with 90 km/h winds |
| Support Offers | Eight to ten houses, fruit supplies, thousands of messages |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Fowles Wines?
A bushfire destroyed the entire 1,400-acre property, including vines, homes, and livestock, but the family received extensive support to rebuild.
Where is Fowles Wines located?
Fowles Wines is situated in the Strathbogie Ranges in Victoria, Australia.
What is the microbat program?
It was an innovative pest control system using microbats to manage pests naturally, which was completely lost in the fire.
How did the community respond?
The wine industry and locals offered housing, supplies, and messages of encouragement, demonstrating strong community ties.