Our Winemaker

David John Bate is a Canadian with a passion for South African wine.
Leopard Frog's offerings are often characterized as a 'west coast' style of wine because they reflect the collaboration between a winemaker born and raised on the west coast of Canada with grapes born and raised on the west coast of South Africa.

Background

David John Bate proudly represents the 13th generation of the Bate family of English and Swiss origins that traces its agrarian heritage back to the times of William Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, Francis Bacon and the reign of the Virgin Queen Elizabeth I in England and the Ancien Régime in Switzerland. The name ‘Bate’ is derived from the olde English surname ‘Bartholemew’ in honor of the patron saint of vintners.

The Bate family has worked the earth of the Old World and New World for over 425 years.  The family’s roots are firmly planted in Old World Europe, where forebearers tilled the soil of Lancashire, England, as early as 1578 and farmed in Canton Luzern, Switzerland, as far back as 1729. The family tradition continues in some parts of England today and more recent generations have taken up their heritage in Australia with great success, earning awards for their produce, products and production methods.

Over 125 years ago, one branch of the Bate family emigrated to Canada and played a role in settling the British Northwest Territories, a process that proved instrumental in the founding of the Dominion of Canada. As such, the Bate family's history in Canada follows the westward expansion of the country, with family stretching from Ontario to Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

David John Bate is a 4th generation Canadian. He was born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia, as part of the west coast branch of the Canadian family. He earned a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws and Master of Public Administration from the University of Victoria before earning a Post Graduate Diploma in Asia Pacific Management from the McRae Institute of International Management at Capilano College. He subsequently earned a Master of Business Administration from Institut des Hautes Etudes Economiques et Commerciales in Paris, France.

An investment banker by practice, David first fell in love with South Africa's vineyards in 1996. He studied the country's wine industry for over 10 years and took several courses at the Cape Wine Academy before earning a Master of Science from the Bordeaux International Wine Institute in France. Determined to bring his family's agrarian traditions to South Africa, David launched Leopard Frog Vineyards in 2005. He subsequently founded the United Nations of Wine in 2006 as a sister cellar.

Philosophy

David is dedicated to handcrafting couture Cape wines that integrate the best qualities of Old World and New World experiences:

"Old World wine is like a smouldering love affair that seduces with the promise of things to come, while New World wine is like a passionate quickie that offers instant gratification with little thought beyond the moment of consummation. Each has appeal, but each fails to provide a wholly satisfying experience.

To unlock the best sensations of both experiences, I accentuate the finest attributes of each approach within each offering. I create wines that not only deliver big, bold mind-blowing sensations on the first taste but anticipate even greater pleasures and a few surprises given some time."

In different ways, David combines the structure and sophistication of Old World varietals with the sensuality and approachability of New World varietals to create a truly enjoyable but exclusive lifestyle experience within each bottle of Leopard Frog wine: “I am at heart a couturier of noble wines. My creations are designed to unfold a multitude of sensations to touch your mind, body and soul.”