Our Region & Vineyards
The Strathbogie Ranges has emerged as a truly distinctive, high-altitude, and cool climate region, helping us produce intense wines that are elegant and full of character.
The rugged and beautiful Strathbogie Ranges are located an hour and a half drive northeast of Melbourne. It is here, in vineyards peppered with massive ancient granite boulders, at elevations between 430 and 550 metres above sea level that the vines from which we source Strathbogie fruit grow.
Our Cool-Climate Vineyards
At Fowles we own and manage 300 acres of vines across two vineyards called Upton Run and Billi’s in the Strathbogie Ranges.
The soils in our family vineyards are comprised of decomposed granite – interspersed with massive granite outcrops. Ancient, nutrient poor and free-draining, these soils are great for grapes because the vines put their energy into fruit development.
The climate is cool with a January mean temperature of 19.5ºC however, an almost constant wind whistles through the vines ensuring good air circulation in the grapes, reducing the risk of frost damage in early spring and mildew in summer.
The location of the Strathbogie Ranges, north of Great Dividing range, means we experience strong diurnal weather patterns – warm days, cool nights. These conditions allow our fruit to gradually ripen over a longer period accumulating the right balance of sugars and acid whilst building intense flavour and colour.
Lower rainfall and quick draining soils mean our vines produce low yielding, flavourful fruit. The undulating topography means our vines experience different micro climates allowing us to pick across a spectrum of ripeness and flavour profiles to craft interesting blends.
Fowles has a wide variety of plantings, including Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Arneis, Vermentino, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Sangiovese, Merlot, Shiraz, Mourvèdre, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Glenn Chisholm – Vineyard Manager
Glenn Chisholm’s journey into the world of viticulture and winemaking began amidst the sun-kissed vineyards of Mildura, where he grew up on a vineyard. This early immersion sparked a passion that would define his career.
After studying viticulture and oenology at La Trobe University, Glenn honed his skills at wineries such as Coldstream Hills in the Yarra Valley and Yea Valley Vineyards. His hands-on experience and deep-rooted knowledge soon led him to establish his own vineyard and viticulture consulting business, where he thrived on the challenge of blending tradition with innovation.
Glenn joined the Fowles Wine team as the Vineyard Manager in 2020. His approach to vineyard management is to embrace a “hands-off” philosophy, he believes in allowing nature to take the lead. Nurturing sustainability in the vineyard, Glenn has played a pivotal role in our partnership with Euroa Arboretum to establish biodiverse cover crops and insectariums, promoting native wildlife and ecological balance. Glenn’s practices have also played part in Fowles receiving certification from Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.
Among the varietals he tends to, Glenn has a particular affinity for Shiraz, finding joy in its robust character and expressive qualities. While Shiraz holds a special place in his heart, he readily admits that mastering the intricacies of Pinot Noir presents his most rewarding challenge. His favourite wine in the portfolio is The Exception Madame Shiraz.
Whether in the vineyard or beyond, Glenn Chisholm remains steadfast in his commitment to elevating winemaking in the Strathbogie Ranges through sustainable and innovative vineyard practices, and a profound respect for the land.
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1175 Lambing Gully Rd,
Avenel VIC 3664
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