About Rongo

In Japanese, Rongo refers to the Analects of Confucius, a masterwork of philosophy that has guided East Asian culture and thought for more than 2,500 years. It stands, at heart, for living benevolently, ethically, and in harmony with one's surroundings.

In Māori, Rongo is a verb meaning to perceive, to hear, feel, smell, and taste. Through no coincidence, it is also the nickname of Rongo-mā-Tāne, the Māori god of Agriculture and Peace.

Rongo Wines was founded in Victoria, Australia, following seasoned ventures in the vineyards of New Zealand, France, and the United States. It is a vehicle for a winemaking philosophy that focuses on a small-batch, low-intervention approach with locally sourced and sustainably farmed fruit. This allows the wine to speak the nuance and balance of the soil and environment it comes from, with the winemaker serving as a guardian at heart. 

From The Maker

With roots in both Chinese and Japanese heritage, my childhood was spent across New Zealand, Asia, and Europe. Through these varied landscapes, the flavors of Asian food have always resonated close to my heart with a unique sense of comfort. When I later fell in love with wine, the desire to create wines that could dance gracefully alongside those flavors came naturally. 

Every wine produced is crafted to complement those intricate herbs and spices, bold chilies, delicate balance of sweetness, acidity and savouriness, and so many more. And with Melbourne’s rich history of culinary creativity, openness to new flavors, its diverse cultural tapestry, it felt like the perfect place to embark on this journey.

It is my hope that you’ll uncover this harmony and savor the connection as you journey with Rongo Wines. 

Additionally, extending my immense gratitude to our cherished friends and family for their invaluable support and encouragement along the way. 

With love,

Ray Chen