I am Croatian and live in New Zealand. I arrived
here in 2012, pursuing my dream to travel, meet
people, and make wine around the world. I
quickly fell in love with New Zealand – its wines,
people, and landscapes.
Coming from a winemaking family, I didn’t have to look far for inspiration to be part of something as wonderful as the world of wine. My parents, talented and passionate winemakers, were my greatest inspiration. Their love for crafting wine immersed me daily in something that sparked a deep passion within me, ultimately guiding me to the path I’m on today.
I hold a master’s degree in winemaking from the Agriculture University in Zagreb, Croatia, and a Graduate Diploma in Oenology from EIT in Hawke’s Bay. These qualifications have given me a deep understanding of winemaking practices from different parts of the world, which I now draw upon in my craft.
My parents began their winemaking journey in a garage, armed with nothing but a strong belief and deep faith that this was their calling. It was a challenging time, especially during the war in Croatia, but my family never gave up. We are all proud of what we achieved during those extremely difficult times, making wine in a war zone is no small feat. I treasure my family’s inspiration to pursue something so fascinating, challenging, and rewarding as winemaking.
Coming from a winemaking family, I didn’t have to look far for inspiration to be part of something as wonderful as the world of wine. My parents, talented and passionate winemakers, were my greatest inspiration. Their love for crafting wine immersed me daily in something that sparked a deep passion within me, ultimately guiding me to the path I’m on today.
I hold a master’s degree in winemaking from the Agriculture University in Zagreb, Croatia, and a Graduate Diploma in Oenology from EIT in Hawke’s Bay. These qualifications have given me a deep understanding of winemaking practices from different parts of the world, which I now draw upon in my craft.
My parents began their winemaking journey in a garage, armed with nothing but a strong belief and deep faith that this was their calling. It was a challenging time, especially during the war in Croatia, but my family never gave up. We are all proud of what we achieved during those extremely difficult times, making wine in a war zone is no small feat. I treasure my family’s inspiration to pursue something so fascinating, challenging, and rewarding as winemaking.
Due to some unfortunate circumstances, there
was no business for me to continue in Croatia
after completing my studies. Now, here I am on
the other side of the world, committed to
carrying on my family’s legacy and sharing our
story.
I founded Eva Pemper Wines with my business partner, who owns a vineyard in Marlborough. This partnership ensures access to our vineyards and a secure supply of high-quality grapes. It is an essential resource that allows us to produce exceptional wines year after year.
The Eva Pemper brand is the result of many
wonderful elements coming together. At its core,
it represents the continuation of my family’s
legacy and the sharing of our story from the other
side of the world. I feel incredibly privileged to be
able to do this from New Zealand.
I founded Eva Pemper Wines with my business partner, who owns a vineyard in Marlborough. This partnership ensures access to our vineyards and a secure supply of high-quality grapes. It is an essential resource that allows us to produce exceptional wines year after year.
Winemaking in New Zealand
Visiting New Zealand has always been a dream of
mine. I used to watch David Attenborough’s
nature shows featuring New Zealand and was
captivated by its natural beauty and stunning
scenery. At the time, I had no idea about the scale
of New Zealand’s wine industry or the influence
Croatians have had on its viticulture and
winemaking history.
While searching for seasonal vintage jobs in Australia, I stumbled upon advertisements for wine jobs in New Zealand.
While searching for seasonal vintage jobs in Australia, I stumbled upon advertisements for wine jobs in New Zealand.
I applied and ended up here in March 2012 – a wild and unforgettable
journey!
The wine industry in New Zealand is very different from what I experienced in Croatia. In Croatia, most vineyards are small, located on islands, along the coast, or in regions like Istria. The terrain is often rough, with much of the work done by hand, reflecting traditional European winemaking practices. Many indigenous grape varieties with unique expressions are cultivated there. In contrast, New Zealand’s viticulture and winemaking techniques are modern and reflect New World innovation.
Global Masters Pinot Noir 2024 Awards by Drinks Business
I am incredibly proud of this recognition, especially as a small, new wine brand striving to build global awareness in such a competitive industry. This accolade is significant. It lends credibility and allows us to stand alongside some of the most highly regarded brands in the world.
The wine industry in New Zealand is very different from what I experienced in Croatia. In Croatia, most vineyards are small, located on islands, along the coast, or in regions like Istria. The terrain is often rough, with much of the work done by hand, reflecting traditional European winemaking practices. Many indigenous grape varieties with unique expressions are cultivated there. In contrast, New Zealand’s viticulture and winemaking techniques are modern and reflect New World innovation.
Global Masters Pinot Noir 2024 Awards by Drinks Business
I am incredibly proud of this recognition, especially as a small, new wine brand striving to build global awareness in such a competitive industry. This accolade is significant. It lends credibility and allows us to stand alongside some of the most highly regarded brands in the world.
The 2022 vintage was particularly challenging in Marlborough, especially for Pinot Noir, making
this achievement even more humbling. It was one
of the most difficult years in the last 10–15 years
for winemaking, so receiving this award has given
me greater confidence as a winemaker when
making crucial decisions during tough times.
Our Pinot Noir was the only New Zealand wine to receive the highest accolade at the 2024 Global Masters Pinot Noir competition. I am over the moon and so proud of this achievement!
Our Pinot Noir was the only New Zealand wine to receive the highest accolade at the 2024 Global Masters Pinot Noir competition. I am over the moon and so proud of this achievement!
Eva Pemper Brand: Marketing Strategy and
Unique Selling Points
When creating this brand, I knew from the start that continuing my family’s legacy had to be at its core. The main unique selling point is the personality and authenticity of the brand – and the person behind it. This makes it easy for consumers to connect with, share, and resonate with our story.
When creating this brand, I knew from the start that continuing my family’s legacy had to be at its core. The main unique selling point is the personality and authenticity of the brand – and the person behind it. This makes it easy for consumers to connect with, share, and resonate with our story.
Croatia plays a major role in differentiating the
brand. It’s a part of the story that always excites
people and adds a unique dimension to the
brand. Incorporating my family’s logo – the
golden Cupid from our Croatian winery – into the
Eva Pemper label is a special storytelling element
and a key part of our marketing strategy.
Being an all-in-one brand – winemaker,
storyteller, and the face behind the brand – has
been crucial in capturing customer interest and
encouraging them to explore our wines and story
further.
