Richard a kind hearted generous man...

Richard Freckleton

It was with great sadness we received the news that the younger of the brothers who grow our Wrattonbully Malbec Richard Freckleton died suddenly on the 8th July.

We were very fond of Richard a kind hearted generous man and we extend our love and support to his best friend and wife Janine & daughter Belinda.

We will miss his wicked wit and enjoyment of life. Richard has worked with Sue since 1999 as a significant grower for Hardy's in Wrattonbully. He enjoyed making a bit of wine himself with a close group of friends, getting Sue to come and taste check their efforts over a social BBQ.  Their 'backyard' crusher/destemmer would ultimately be used for the first few vintages of Bellwether. Like all the growers for Bellwether for the first 5 years Richard would help crush the fruit he delivered. In hindsight the conversations over that crusher with grower passing on their season's work to the winemaker are the foundation of the essence of Bellwether.

Richard also supplied and installed the first bore water pump for Glen Roy one Christmas Eve, to help the Glen Roy produce garden flourish, better than Father Christmas - delivering the gift of water!

He could make the impossible happen during the peak of vintage and truly loved wine and the process of growing the best grapes he could.

He will be sorely missed and has now put a lot of pressure on his brother Peter to be twice as cheeky and outdo his Christmas party record. We are so lucky to have known him.