NEW ZEALAND WINERY BABICH WINES A HOMEGROWN SUCCESS STORY
Babich Wines is a family owned and operated business. With more than 120 years’ experience in the wine industry between them, Chairman Peter Babich and Managing Director Joe Babich have helped Babich Wines become the successful company it is today.
Peter’s middle son, General Manager, David Babich, joined Babich Wines in 2001. David grew up at the vineyard; for him wine and the vines were just part of life.
David has a Bachelor’s Degree in winemaking and viticulture from Roseworthy College in South Australia. David knew about the wine side of the business from growing up around it and studying it at university but he also wanted to know about the business aspects of the Company.
David also completed a double major in marketing and management from Auckland University. As well as this, he has a marketing and sales background.
The role of General Manager at Babich Wines includes strategic planning, management, involvement in domestic and international sales and marketing, as well as ensuring the quality and continuity of grape supply.
David has taken the best of family business and his experience in corporate business (seven years at Glaxo Welcome) and sought to integrate the positive aspects of both into Babich Wines.
“ ‘Corporates’ are generally better at the formal aspects of business, such as planning and reporting, and ‘family’ can move quickly on decision making. Combining these strengths has been very beneficial for our Company over the past ten years,” says David.
Babich Wines have created a number of award winning wines, with a recent one being The Patriarch 2010 which won the gold medal at the 2012 Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards.
Babich Winemakers Reserve Pinot Noir 2011 won a double gold medal at the 2012 San Francisco International Wine Competition and a gold medal and trophy for 'Best 2011/12 Pinot Noir' at the 2012 Marlborough Wine Show.
The Black Label Sauvignon Blanc 2011 won a gold medal and trophy for 'Best Sauvignon Blanc' at the 2012 International Cool Climate Wine Show in Australia. It also won a gold medal for the '2012 China Best Value Wine & Spirits' Awards.
Babich Wines have a close association with Carlton Hire Group Ltd., who provided the marquee for the celebration of Babich Wines’ 90th anniversary in 2006, as well as a marquee for a family wedding held at the winery more recently.
David believes Carlton Hire Group Ltd. is the best for these types of occasions because “they are professional, on time, work within the budget; they are just exactly what you want.”
“We will be needing their services again in 2016 as we celebrate our Company’s centenary of New Zealand winemaking”.
For more information about Babich Wines, visit their website at www.babichwines.co.nz.