There’s a quiet confidence to Fleet Wines, the kind that comes not from chasing attention, but from a deep connection to place, process and time. What began as a side project between Justin and Lisa has grown into something far more considered: a small, thoughtful operation grounded in Victoria’s diverse wine regions, and increasingly, their own vineyard in South Gippsland.
Fleet’s approach is measured and intentional. It’s about working closely with growers, farming with care, and knowing when to step in, and when to let the fruit speak for itself. The result is a collection of wines that feel honest and unforced, shaped as much by restraint as they are by skill.
In this conversation, we spend some time with the people behind Fleet to talk about how it all began, what guides their winemaking, and why going deeper, not wider, continues to shape their path forward.
Tell us a little about Fleet Wines, how did it all begin?
Fleet Wines began quite organically. Justin and I had been working in wine for years, and over time there was a growing pull to create something of our own, something that reflected how we see wine and the places it comes from. What started as a small, side project quickly became something more serious. The early days were hands-on and resourceful. We were working with small parcels of fruit, learning as we went, and building relationships with growers across Victoria. As the business has evolved, we’ve also established our own vineyard in Leongatha a region we deeply love which now plays a central role in what we do.
What drew you to winemaking, and what keeps you inspired today?
Winemaking sits at the intersection of agriculture, creativity, and science, which is what makes it so compelling. There’s something deeply satisfying about working with something seasonal and alive, where each year tells a different story. Over time, the perspective has definitely evolved. Early on, there’s often a focus on technique, but now it’s more about restraint and knowing when to step in and when to step back. Farming our own vineyard has only deepened that understanding and connection to the process. What keeps it inspiring is that you’re never really finished learning.
How would you describe the philosophy behind Fleet Wines?
At its core, it’s about transparency and respect, for the vineyard, the fruit, and the process. That philosophy now extends equally to the way we farm, with regenerative practices at the core of how we manage our vineyard in South Gippsland. Across both our own site and the growers we work with, we aim to make wines that speak clearly of where they’re from, without too much interference. Every decision is guided by trying to preserve freshness, structure, and a sense of place.
You work closely with growers and regions across Victoria, how do you choose who to partner with?
It always starts with the vineyard. We work with sites that have a strong sense of identity, whether that’s through soil, aspect, or the way they’re farmed. Just as important is the grower. There needs to be alignment in values, particularly around sustainability and attention to detail. Our model is now roughly split—about 50% of our fruit comes from our own vineyard, with the remaining 50% sourced from growers. The best partnerships are collaborative where there’s trust, communication and a shared goal of producing something special.
There’s a real sense of restraint and balance in your wines, how do you approach the winemaking process to achieve that?
A lot of it comes down to decisions made before the fruit even reaches the winery. Picking at the right time is critical, we’re often looking for natural acidity and moderate alcohols, something we’re able to refine closely through our own farming. In the winery, it’s about being gentle, careful handling and letting ferments run their course without too much intervention. The non-negotiables are around fruit quality and not overworking the wine. Once you lose that sense of energy, it’s hard to get it back.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in wine, how does Fleet approach this in practice?
For us, sustainability starts in the vineyard. Our own site in South Gippsland is farmed with regenerative practices at its core, building soil health, increasing biodiversity, and thinking long-term about the land. Alongside that, we work with growers who share similar values, and we’re involved in initiatives like Landcare and tree planting to contribute positively to the regions we’re part of. “Doing better” is incremental, it’s about making conscious choices across farming, packaging, and the way we operate day to day.
What’s something people might not realise about small-batch winemaking?
How physically demanding and unpredictable it is. From the outside, it can seem quite romantic, but the reality is long days, tight timelines, and a lot of problem-solving. There’s also a misconception that small-batch automatically means less precision, when often it’s the opposite. Working on a smaller scale and especially when you’re also farming means you’re across every detail from vineyard to bottle.
Do you have a favourite varietal or release that feels especially meaningful?
Pinot Noir has always been close to us. It’s a variety that really reflects site and season, and it demands a thoughtful approach. The Leongatha releases are particularly meaningful, both from the vineyards we work with and now increasingly from our own site. There’s history in those older plantings and also something exciting in seeing our own vineyard begin to express itself over time.
How do you think about the experience of someone opening a bottle of Fleet?
We hope there’s a sense of ease and enjoyment. The wines are made to be approachable but with enough detail to reward attention if you’re looking for it. Ideally, there’s a moment where the wine connects someone to a place or to a memory, a meal, or the people they’re sharing it with.
What does a typical day look like for you?
There’s no real “typical” day, which is part of the appeal. During vintage, it’s all-consuming early starts, long days in the winery, constantly tasting and making decisions. Outside of vintage, the focus shifts. There’s time in our vineyard in South Gippsland, alongside working with growers, blending, bottling, and running the business across sales, logistics, and the cellar door. It’s a constant balance between the practical and the creative.
What have been some of the biggest challenges along the way?
Like most small producers, managing growth while maintaining quality is a constant challenge. Farming adds another layer of complexity with seasonal variability, labour and long-term decision making. There are also broader pressures like rising costs and logistics. Those challenges have reinforced the importance of staying adaptable and not overextending, and to focus on what we can control.
Are there any exciting projects or directions on the horizon for Fleet Wines?
We’re continuing to deepen our connection to our vineyard in South Gippsland and refine how we farm it over time. That feels like a long-term project with a lot of potential. Alongside that, we’re strengthening our grower relationships and continuing to build the cellar door experience and direct connection with customers. The direction is about going deeper rather than wider.
What’s bringing you joy outside of work at the moment?
Spending time locally in South Gippsland, being connected to the landscape, and seeing the vineyard evolve season by season. Watching our kids play sports or swimming in the ocean. Food, community, and sharing a bottle with friends is still one of the simplest and most rewarding parts of what we do.
Finally, what does it mean to you to be part of a community of local makers and producers?
It’s incredibly important. There’s a strong sense of mutual support among small producers, especially in regional areas like South Gippsland. Being part of that community creates opportunities to collaborate, share ideas, and contribute to something larger than your own business. It’s what gives the work a deeper sense of purpose.
