From humble beginnings in the Northland kauri gum fields early last century, Babich Wines have become one of New Zealand’s most respected wineries. Our reputation for making excellent wine extends beyond New Zealand’s shores. Today our wines are sold throughout the world, and can be bought in Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, continental Europe, Asia, North America and the Caribbean. 1895: Babich Wines’ founder Josip Babich was born in Dalmatia (part of modern-day Croatia). 1910: Fourteen year-old Josip emigrated to New Zealand to join his brothers who were earning a living by digging and selling kauri gum in New Zealand’s far north. 1912: Josip planted his first vineyard on the terraces above the Kaikino Swamp gum field. 1916: Josip made his first New Zealand wine, selling it in cask and bottle under the name Babich Brothers. 1919: Josip and his brothers moved to a 24-hectare (72 acre) wilderness property in Henderson Valley (west Auckland) that they had bought in 1911. Initially they established a small orchard and planted classical meunier vines. 1928: He married Mara Grgic and they had five children over the following years. Babich Wines’ transformation into a world-class winery From the late 1940s the family increasingly focused on winemaking. Josip’s sons also became involved in the business, with eldest son Peter joining in 1948, and Joe Jr joining the company as the winemaker in 1958. With Peter and Joe Babich at the helm, Babich Wines was transformed from a small, predominantly fortified wine producer into a modern winery that is renown for producing world-class wines. Today Babich is one of New Zealand's largest family-owned wine companies, and a new generation is continuing what Josip began. In 2001 Peter’s second son, David Babich, became the first member of the third generation to join the business when he was appointed to the role of Assistant General Manager. Visit the Babich website.