Our Family
For all its hands-on creativity, technical know-how and never-ending discoveries
– winemaking is always ultimately about people. For us, it’s a direct connection from our family name to each and every wine drinker around the world.
Winemaking is in our blood
For more than a century the Babich family has poured heart, heritage, and hard work into every bottle. From Josip Babich’s first vintage in 1916 through over 100 years of winemaking excellence, Babich Wines has always been a story of dedication passed on from generation to generation. And today, that legacy continues – with a tradition of innovation and independence of spirit, and the unwavering belief that great wine begins with family.
Chief Executive Officer
David Babich
David grew up immersed in the Babich family story and the winery his grandfather founded. After earning a winemaking degree from Roseworthy College, he joined the family business, working hands-on in the cellar before completing a commerce degree in marketing and management. He gained valuable leadership experience at Glaxo Wellcome before returning to Babich as General Manager in 2001. Now CEO, David brings deep industry knowledge and a passion for his family’s legacy to everything he does—shaping the next chapter for Babich Wines.
Principal
André Babich
André is a grandson of founder Josip Babich and has been part of the Babich Wines story since childhood. After nearly two decades with Macquarie Capital, he officially joined the family business in 2018. As a Director and Principal, André leads key strategic projects across the company. With a strong background in finance and degrees in commerce from the University of Auckland, he brings both commercial insight and a deep personal connection to the business. Passionate about Babich’s people, products, and future, André is proud to help guide the next generation of New Zealand’s most experienced family-owned winery.
Peter Babich MBE
20 June 1932 – 2 February 2025
Peter Babich’s career in the New Zealand wine industry started at just 16 when he joined his father, Josip Babich, in the family vineyard. His life-long passion and commitment to New Zealand’s viticulture and wine industry saw Peter become a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1989. In 1995 he was made a Fellow of the Wine Institute of New Zealand and in 2015 he was inducted into the New Zealand Wine Hall of Fame.
Joe Babich ONZM
10 October 1940 – 13 January 2022
For more than 60 years, Joe Babich was the driving force behind Babich’s innovative approach to winemaking. After joining his father and brother in the family business in 1958, he became a highly respected winemaker and was responsible for more than 35 outstanding vintages. His insight and ability was recognised with numerous honours, including Chairman of Judges for the Air New Zealand Wine Awards, New Zealand Winemaker of the Year, the Sir George Fistonich Medal for Service to New Zealand Wine and the appointment as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2015.
Founder
Josip Babich
23 November 1895 – 22 August 1983
Josip Babich, the founder of Babich Wines, was born in Dalmatia (part of modern day Croatia). At just 14 years old he emigrated to New Zealand to join his three brothers, who were already earning a living digging and selling Kauri gum in New Zealand’s far north. In 1916 Josip made his first barrel of New Zealand wine and after many years of hard work, determination and a fair bit of ingenuity Josip had successfully laid the solid foundations of a wine business that has thrived for three generations.
