Aussie winery suffers major fire months after re-opening

Warrenmang Vineyard and Resort in the state of Victoria has suffered a major fire that has destroyed its restaurant, just months after it re-opened following a period of renovation work.

Image: Athalie Bazzani (Facebook)

The business was damaged in a blaze which broke out yesterday (2nd May) believed to have been caused by “a customer’s BBQ activity,” according to a statement from the winery.

Based in the town of Moonambel in the Pyrenees region of Victoria, it was sold to its new owners in 2017.

A spokesperson for the Country Fire Authority (CFA) said that 10 fire engines were sent to tackle the fire reported shortly after 6:40pm local time, and that it was brought under control by 9:06pm.

In a statement published on social media, managing director Emma Du said that the business would reopen in the near future despite the fire. The restaurant was destroyed in the fire, but the cellar door, winery and accommodation remain intact.

Du praised the work of the firefighters and thanked locals and guests for their support.

She added: “Please accept my apologies as we will need to cancel all bookings and close the cellar door and accommodation until we work out a new plan for the future.”

Warrenmang’s former owner, Athalie Bazzani, posted a statement on social media expressing her sorrow. 

“Luigi and I will always treasure so many years of amazing memories, starting with the building of our unique restaurant in the Pyrenees; furnished with Luigi’s distinctive hand crafted tables and sideboards, the fabulous wine dinners with our wonderful friends, local vignerons and guests, 5 star wines and food cooked by great chefs and served with love by many,” she said.

“The restaurant may be gone but the memories will always be there and remembered with affection by so many. Very sad for the new owners who have lost this very special place.”