The Babich Way: Three Generations of Craft, Innovation, and Excellence in Winemaking

The Babich family has been an integral part of New Zealand’s winemaking heritage since 1916, making them the country’s most experienced family-owned winery. With three generations of innovation, achievement, and winemaking excellence across three outstanding winemaking regions, winemaking is not just their passion, but also their livelihood and way of life.

When Josip Babich planted vines in remote New Zealand in 1912, many people thought he was crazy. However, he persevered, making wine the difficult way with vision, thoughtfulness, ingenuity, and true craft. This hard-working spirit still runs deep in the veins of the Babich family today, and they are committed to “paying it forward” for as long as they exist.

.

.

From their diverse vineyards to the tables of wine lovers around the world, Babich wines offer a direct connection to New Zealand and reflect the love they have for their craft. Every step of their winemaking process is infused with care, from tending to their vineyards by hand to caring for the land they call home. In an ever-changing and always-on world, Babich embraces a slow and careful approach, valuing quality over quantity.

Despite their success, Babich has never aspired to become a faceless corporation. Even after a century of winemaking, their vision remains simple – to share their passion through patience, experience, and good old-fashioned wisdom. Their goal is to lead the style and evolution of sustainably grown and crafted New Zealand wine for another 100 years and beyond.

.

.

Sustainability is at the core of Babich’s winemaking philosophy. They understand that water is essential for winegrowing, but using it sustainably is crucial for the ongoing health of their lands. By implementing clever irrigation techniques in the vineyards and utilizing smart technology in the winery, Babich has managed to reduce water usage well below industry standards. They are committed to staying at the forefront of water conservation practices into the future.

Babich has also been expanding their organic wines and growing processes for over 14 years. By 2026, they aim to increase their organic vineyard area by another 50%. Currently, they offer seven organic and sustainably certified wines and own one of New Zealand’s largest organic and sustainable vineyards. They are also in the process of converting two conventional vineyards to organic practices, further exemplifying their commitment to sustainable winemaking.

.

.

In their pursuit of sustainability, Babich ensures that 100% of their grape marc (the used skins) is composted, leaving no waste to go to landfill. They constantly seek ways to reduce waste and improve sustainability, from purchasing supplies in bulk to minimize packaging to recycling and reusing materials in the winery. Babich understands that sustainability is not a destination but a continuous journey, and they are dedicated to making ongoing improvements.

The Babich family’s century-long commitment to winemaking excellence, innovation, and sustainability is evident in every bottle of their wine. From their rich history to their dedication to preserving the environment and crafting exceptional wines, Babich is a true symbol of New Zealand’s winemaking heritage. As they look toward the future, their legacy of passion, patience, and sustainability will continue to shape the world of New Zealand wine for generations to come.

.