Kumeu River: White Burgundy in Kiwi Clothing
New Zealand is a genuine New World country because there was hardly any viticulture until pioneers such as Alan Brady, Rolfe Mills and Anne Pinckney began cultivating vines in the 1970s, when nearly all grapes were used for fortified wines. Even then, New Zealand's nascent wine industry did not take off until the 1990s with the explosion of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. These two grape varieties are still synonymous with New Zealand, but of course, the country also makes great Chardonnay.
Melba Brajkovich, MNZM
Melba has been the backbone and strength behind the Brajkovich Family at Kumeu River Wines since 1958. Originally very much in the background as Mate’s wife and partner in the business, Melba has always kept a watchful eye over the winery, especially when Mate was away on Wine Industry business in his various roles on the Executive Committee of the Wine Institute of New Zealand, including Chairman from 1982-1985. Mate’s contribution to the New Zealand wine sector was recognised through his Fellowship of the Wine Institute of NZ in 1991, and the award of OBE in 1985. Melba was the...