Josip Babich, the founder of Babich Wines, is born in Dalmatia (part of modern day Croatia).
At just 14 years old Josip emigrates to New Zealand to join his three brothers, who are earning a living digging and selling Kauri gum in New Zealand's far north.
The Babich brothers put a deposit on land in Henderson Valley (West Auckland), which later becomes the family homestead, winery and company headquarters.
Josip plants his first vineyard on a terrace above the Kaikino Swamp gum field.
Josip makes his first New Zealand wine, selling it in casks and bottles under the name Babich Brothers.
100 YEARS, 100 STORIES
Josip and his brothers move to the 29 hectare (72 acres) wilderness property in Henderson (West Auckland), which they had purchased in 1911. Initially they established a small orchard and planted classical Pinot Meunier vines.
Josip marries Mara Grgic and they have five children over the following years.
Babich wine proves popular amongst the American troops who are in Auckland on rest and recreation leave during World War II.
Josip’s son, Peter, joins him on the family vineyard.
The original West Auckland vineyard is extended after an adjoining property, known as the ‘Price Block’, is purchased.
Josip’s son, Joseph, joins Babich Wines.
The winery expands, with a growing emphasis on table wine production.
The vineyard is extended again after a 24 hectare adjoining property, the ‘Dodson Block’, is purchased. Muller Thurgau, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Pinotage vines are planted on the newly acquired land.
Babich Wines purchases Muller Thurgau grapes from Gisborne for table wine production. The winery is re-equipped and re-modernised for table wine production.
The remaining fruit orchard at the Henderson winery is uprooted and replanted with Chardonnay vines.
Babich makes its first export to Europe, sending its New Zealand wine to Germany. This achievement was a highlight of Josip's winemaking career.
The Babich 1981 Pinot Noir receives the first Gold medal for the variety in a New Zealand wine competition.
Josip Babich dies aged 87 years.
Babich begins producing wine from the Gimblett Gravels region in Hawke's Bay.
Babich’s first Irongate wines are produced from the Irongate Vineyard on Gimblett Road, Hawke’s Bay.
A second, 36 hectare vineyard, Gimblett Rd, is established in Hawke's Bay. Peter Babich is named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to the wine industry.
Babich celebrates its 75th Anniversary. First Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is produced and the company processes 1,000 tonnes of grapes annually. Babich Wines are now sold both nationally and internationally, with key export markets including the UK, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Denmark and Germany.
Mara Babich dies aged 91 years. Joe Babich receives Winemaker of the Year award at the Royal New Zealand Easter Show.
Babich celebrates its 80th anniversary and introduces a new label, ‘The Patriarch’, in honour of founder, Josip Babich. Peter Babich is named a Fellow (Life Member) of the Wine Institute of New Zealand. A new bottling hall is built and new bottling line installed at the Henderson winery. Joe Babich is Chief Wine Judge at the National Wine Competition for the sixth time.
Babich Wines makes its first investment in a Hawke's Bay vineyard. Fernhill goes on to become New Zealand’s first sustainably registered vineyard.
Babich Wines purchases Wakefield Downs, a 42 hectare vineyard in the Awatere Valley, Marlborough.
Babich purchases a shareholding in Rapaura Vintners Winery in Marlborough, enabling the company to maximise quality by producing wine close to its South Island vineyards. Export sales of Babich Wines now exceed domestic sales.
David Babich (Peter Babich's son) becomes the third generation of the Babich family to join the company.
A 90th Anniversary black tie dinner for 260 guests is held at the Henderson winery on 2nd December. Attendees include the New Zealand Prime Minister, Helen Clark, and Waitakere City Mayor, Bob Harvey.
Babich takes over Rongopai Wines and transfers wine production to its Henderson winery.
The remaining sections of the Henderson winery are rebuilt to modern specifications. Babich Wines UK Ltd is formed to manage the distribution of Babich wines in the United Kingdom.
The organic block at Headwaters Vineyard in Marlborough receives Bio-Gro organic wine certification. Babich Family Estates Headwaters Organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is released to the domestic and export markets.
Babich increases its shareholding in Rapaura Vintners winery in Marlborough to 50%.
Babich celebrates its 95th Anniversary. New look branding and wine labels are introduced.
The shareholding in Rapaura Vintners winery is sold and Babich begins the process of building a new winery in Blenheim. A 64 hectare vineyard, Tetley Brook, is purchased in the Awatere Valley, Marlborough and an 8 hectare vineyard, Highway 50, is purchased in Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay.
Babich’s new Marlborough winery is completed. The company acquires the 9.7 hectare St. John Vineyard in the Bridge Pa Triangle, Hawke's Bay. Headwaters Vineyard is expanded to 57 hectares and converted to 100% organic wine production.
The new Babich Marlborough winery produces its first wine vintage, processing more than 4,000 tonnes of grapes. A 79 hectare vineyard, Echelon, is purchased in the Waihopai Valley, Marlborough. Peter and Joe Babich are awarded the Sir George Fistonich Medal for services to the New Zealand wine industry.
Joe Babich is made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to the wine industry. Peter and Joe Babich are inducted into the New Zealand Wine Hall of Fame.
Babich Wines celebrates 100 years of innovation, achievement and winemaking excellence.
André Babich (Joe Babich’s son) joins Babich Wines.
