Matt Fowles from Fowles Wines in the Strathbogie Ranges has been moved by an act of kindness following the damaging bushfires in January.
He had the Endeavour (Dans/Langtons) guys up about a month ago to show them the fireground.
“We spent the day showing them around and discussing the ‘where to from here’,” Matt says.
“They’ve been unbelievably supportive in regards to trade.”
During the course of the day Matt says he must have mentioned how he wanted to get some plants in the ground at the winery to start shifting the psychology to a renewal mindset.
“It’s bloody tough on the crew driving up to the blackened hills each day,” he says.
“God it felt good to have them muck in with us,” says Matt.
“It was extremely tough going as the fire baked the soil hard, but there wasn’t one complaint.
“Just shoulder to shoulder getting the job done.
“They made it super easy for us – they coordinated everything from garden design to plants and even care packages for the team.
“It’s given us a massive boost right on the cusp of vintage (we will do a small one).
“This is yet another example of why our industry so damn special.”