The name Arete comes from ancient Greek mythology and describes the aggregate of all good qualities – valour, virtue and excellence - that make up good character.

Arete Wines is a product of the energy, passion and enthusiasm that Richard Bate brings when creating distinctive wines with depth of character.

Richard graduated from Charles Sturt University with a science degree majoring in Wine Science and went on to make wine at the Barossa Valley Estate, Saltram, Wolf Blass and Penfolds before working for a Cooperage firm, the Francois Freres Group from Burgundy, later distributing barrels in Australia. The Francois family was instrumental in encouraging Richard to take up the mantle of Winemaker and establish Arete Wines.

Because of this history, Richard is very influenced by the great wines of Burgundy and the important dry reds that were produced by Saltram in the 50’s and 60’s. These wines have their own personality and style, qualities which encourage Richard to produce small parcels of distinguished handmade wines true to their region and variety, sourced wherever possible, from a single vineyard.

Currently, Richard sources grapes from small family vineyards in Greenock, Koonunga and Inverbrackie using them to make wines of truly ‘good character’. - Daniel Jess