From an Auckland orchard to the big apple

When Josip and his brothers planted their first vines and fruit trees in the Henderson Valley, they would never have imagined Babich Wines would one day hit the Big Apple.

But 100 years on, New York is a key market for the winery, with a loyal following at many top establishments. One Manhattan mainstay has been serving Babich Sauvignon Blanc almost continuously since 2003. Why almost? Because it dropped off the wine list for a brief period, before howls of complaint from the regulars saw it firmly back where it belonged.