100,000 head of sheep & cattle also lost in fires
By Deanne Jeffers
AS bushfire conditions ease, landowners are beginning the painful task of assessing the damage left behind by the Longwood fire, with farms, vineyards and family homes among those destroyed or severely impacted.
Local wineries, including Fowles Wine and Elgo Estate, have been dealt a devastating blow, with entire vineyards lost to the January blaze.
Fowles Wine owners Matt and Luise Fowles confirmed their Strathbogie Ranges vineyards were destroyed, describing the loss as “heartbreaking” for their family and business.
On the morning of January 8, catastrophic fire conditions saw a blaze originating near Longwood move rapidly into their vineyard sites. By mid-morning, fire had torn through two significant vineyards – Upton Run and Billi – destroying all 300 acres of vines across the family’s 1,800-acre farm and resulting in significant livestock losses.
During the initial fire front, Mr Fowles remained on site alongside CFA crews and friends, managing to protect the family home through the first impact. However, worsening conditions later that evening forced their difficult decision to leave the property. Ongoing ember attacks the following day ultimately claimed the Fowles family home of 20 years.
The winery facility itself was successfully defended by the CFA, a result the family says they are deeply grateful for.
Further along the valley at Creighton’s Creek, the Fowles family farm at Killeen was also impacted, with approximately half the property burnt. The historic homestead and stables were saved, and no livestock was lost.
Nearby at Avenel, Suzanne Teresch of Elgo Estate said their vineyard was also completely destroyed, with the fire claiming at least 1,000 sheep. While the family home was saved, several farm structures and extensive fencing were lost.
“More than 30 years of hard work has been decimated by these fires,” Ms Teresch said. “We’ve been through droughts, through floods in 2022, and now these bushfires. You just cannot prepare for that level of fire danger. Preserving life is the most important thing in those conditions. We’re just grateful to have a home to return to and for all the support.”
Both families extended heartfelt thanks to CFA volunteers and emergency services for their courage and commitment throughout the crisis. They also acknowledged the overwhelming support received from the community, industry colleagues, and friends.
“In a time of such devastation, the kindness and generosity we have experienced has been deeply humbling,” Mr Fowles said. “Our thoughts are with the many other families who have lost homes, livelihoods and land in these fires.”
The loss of Fowles’ vineyards means the 2026 vintage will be a complete crop failure. However, the business remains operational, with current vintages still available. The Fowles’ warehouse, cellar door and restaurant in Avenel were unaffected, and the winery will continue supplying wines through to its 2025 releases. Industry colleagues have also offered fruit for the 2026 season in a show of solidarity.
At Elgo Estate, the fire did not reach the winery itself, allowing the business to continue selling wine currently in bottles and tanks.
Ms Teresch said it was important the public knew it was “business as usual” despite the tragedy. “We’re still here. Fowles is still here. And we are resilient,” she said.
“As a farming family, we pride ourselves on resilience,” Mr Fowles said. “That resilience will see us rebuild. While it is too early to determine the long-term path forward, 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 are extremely grateful our family and team are safe.”
Local wine retailer Paul Phillips of Phillips Cellars said producers across the Strathbogie Ranges were only just beginning the long road to recovery, with vintners still assessing the true level of destruction.
“Now more than ever is the time to support our local wineries who have been so severely affected by these bushfires,” Mr Phillips said.
