A Family-Owned Winery's Devastating Loss in the Face of a Rapid Fire
In a heart-wrenching tale of resilience and tragedy, Matt Fowles, a winemaker and owner of the award-winning Fowles Wines, found himself in a race against time as the Longwood fire ravaged his family's vineyard outside Avenel, north of Melbourne. The fire, which started at 9:15 am on Thursday, left a desolate moonscape in its wake, destroying 300 acres of vines, hundreds of sheep, and reducing homes to ashes.
But here's where it gets controversial: Despite the devastation, Matt and his family managed to save their house. In fact, they were lucky to escape with their lives, as the fire quickly spread, putting pressure on the house and filling the air with thick smoke. By 9:45 am, the entire property was ablaze, and Matt's yard was alight. It was a race against time, and they were able to save the house just in time.
However, the story doesn't end there. As the fire raged on, Matt and his family worked tirelessly to protect whatever buildings remained, but the winds increased, and they were left with a devastating scene. The vineyard, once a thriving ecosystem, was now a moonscape devoid of a single blade of grass. The winemaker, in shock and disbelief, couldn't help but feel emotional as he surveyed the damage.
The impact of the fire was far-reaching. The crop, which was set to be harvested, was completely lost for the year. The infrastructure, including the drippers and posts, was also destroyed. But amidst the tragedy, Matt was grateful for the support he received from friends in the wine industry and beyond. He received numerous offers of help, and the generosity of the CFA volunteers and neighbors was truly remarkable.
As the sun set on another day, Matt and his family were left to pick up the pieces. The road to recovery would be long and challenging, but the resilience and support of the community would be their guiding light. And so, the story of Fowles Wines continues, a testament to the power of human spirit in the face of adversity.
