How severe is the damage at Fowles Winery?

Reports indicate the Avenel vineyard was destroyed within an hour, with about 300 acres of vines lost, removing fruit for the 2026 harvest. Beyond the immediate loss, rebuilding trellises and replanting can take years. That delays revenue recovery, lifts capital needs, and raises reliance on purchased grapes from other regions.

Will wine prices in Australia rise because of the fires?

Prices could lift for affected varietals if supply tightens and trucking distances increase. Wineries may blend across regions or reduce volumes to hold quality. The overall impact depends on unaffected regions and bulk wine inventories. Expect selective price firmness in 2026 rather than a broad, nationwide spike across all labels.

What does this mean for Victorian farm cash flows?

Cash flows face pressure from livestock losses, fence and pasture repairs, and higher freight costs. Insurance can offset physical damage, but it often does not fully cover future income. Grants and concessional loans help, yet many farms will run tighter working capital and may defer non-essential spending during the rebuild period.

What should investors watch over the next quarter?

Track government recovery updates, insurer claim trends, and any winery guidance on 2026 volumes and sourcing. Watch spot grape prices, freight conditions, and retail stock availability. Balance sheets with cash headroom and diversified sourcing are better placed. Supply chain normalisation and replanting commitments are key markers of recovery momentum.

Global Market Insights

January 13: Fowles Winery Razed as Victorian Farm Losses Climb

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 13, 2026January 13, 2026

Fowles Winery has been razed in the Avenel fireground, with about 300 acres of vines lost within an hour. The Victorian bushfires impact now spans tens of millions of dollars in farm damage and more than 15,000 livestock deaths. For investors, the losses point to near-term pressure on Australian wine industry supply, farm cash flows, and insurance claims. We outline what this means for 2026 vintage volumes, pricing risks, and which data points to watch in coming weeks.