Victoria Wildfires Devastate Vineyards: What Drinkers Should Know

Australia’s wine heartland in Victoria is hurting. Multiple bushfires have torn through wine country, destroying more than 300 acres of vineyard and an estimated quarter-million bottles of library stock. Wine Victoria estimates at least 25 wineries were directly affected, with damage spanning vines, homes, and precious back-vintage collections across the Strathbogie Ranges, Bendigo, and Macedon Ranges—north of the Yarra Ranges.

The human stories land hardest. Winemaker Matt Fowles fought to save his property in the Strathbogie Ranges, ultimately losing his family home after the Longwood blaze returned. As he told Wine-Searcher: “This was by far the worst I’ve seen.” (Fowles via Wine-Searcher). Dan Sims of Wine Victoria described the first safe visit into the zone this way: “You’re driving along in this land of devastation.” (Sims via Wine-Searcher). It’s as stark as it sounds.

Another fire, Ravenswood South, ripped through the town of Harcourt and obliterated a cool-store facility—taking with it countless bottles of museum stock from producers including Joshua Cooper, Blackjack, Killiecrankie, and Sutton Grange. As Sims told Wine-Searcher, “What’s particularly heartbreaking is that a lot of this was museum stock.” The loss isn’t just financial; it’s memory, research, and identity, bottled.

Style snapshot: what Victoria does in the glass

Victoria is a mosaic. Cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (think Yarra-adjacent freshness) sit alongside savory, medium-bodied Shiraz from places like Bendigo and surrounds. These wines are overwhelmingly dry, with vibrant acidity and a mix of red-fruited finesse (Pinot), citrus-mineral drive (Chardonnay), and peppered dark fruit (Shiraz). The region also punches above its weight in sparkling made from Pinot and Chardonnay—crisp, appetite-whetting, and cellar-friendly.

Why mention styles in a crisis update? Because it helps you buy with intention. If you’re looking to support Victoria producers now, understanding the classic profiles makes your purchase more confident—and your table happier.

What this means for drinkers

Short term, availability may tighten for certain labels, especially where vineyards were damaged or back vintages lost. That library stock is irreplaceable; it’s the historical record that winemakers use to calibrate style and it’s what collectors reach for when they want to understand a place over time.

There is a glimmer of good news. According to Wine-Searcher’s reporting, Sims said much of the region hadn’t reached veraison, which may help minimize smoke-taint risk this season. In plain English: grapes are generally less susceptible to smoke compounds before they start to soften and change color. That doesn’t erase the challenge, but it gives winemakers a fighting chance.

As consumers, our role is pretty simple. Support directly when you can. Or as Sims put it: “Buy direct, if you can.” (Sims via Wine-Searcher). Many cellar doors will reopen when safe; patience will matter as logistics catch up and communities regroup.

It’s also worth noting the psychological toll. Producers like Fowles are navigating personal loss while making business decisions—replant, revive, or consolidate. Community offers are pouring in, and that solidarity matters. Wine is agriculture, yes—but it’s also households, horses, cats, and kids. Let’s keep that front and center.

How to shop Victoria right now

– Scan producer websites and mailing lists for current releases and mixed packs. These help keep cash flowing while vineyards recover.

– Seek out classic regional expressions: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from cool-climate sites; savory, mid-weight Shiraz from Bendigo/Macedon-adjacent producers. Expect dry, food-friendly styles.

– Don’t overthink vintages. Producers will self-triage; if a wine is released, they’ve decided it’s worthy. Trust the hands on the hoses and in the cellar.

Best occasion: A casual dinner with friends, especially one that doubles as a small fundraiser or a bring-a-bottle night for Victoria.

Best pairing direction: Keep it elemental. Pinot with roast chicken or mushrooms; Chardonnay with seafood and citrus; Shiraz with grilled lamb or charred veggies. Let the wines’ freshness lead.

The bigger picture

Climate volatility is now a standing item on the wine industry’s agenda—from Sonoma to Victoria. Regions with diverse subzones, like Victoria, may flex resilience through site selection, canopy management, and smarter storage infrastructure. But nothing replaces community. That’s what’s showing up already: neighbors opening homes, buyers placing direct orders, importers leaving room on pallets.

We’ll keep following how the Strathbogie Ranges, Bendigo, Macedon Ranges, and their neighbors rebuild. For now, choose a bottle with a little Victorian energy—dry, balanced, quietly determined—and raise a glass to the folks doing the hard work on the ground.

Source: https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/01/wildfires-rip-through-victoria-wine-country?rss=Y