Can you share your journey into winemaking and what inspired you to start Eva Pemper Wines?
I am a Croatian living in NZ. I came to New Zealand in 2012 following my dream to travel, meet people and make wine around the world. I absolutely fell in love with New Zealand and New Zealand wines, people and places.
I come from a winemaking family, so I didn’t have to go far for my inspiration to be a part of something as wonderful as the world of wine.
My parents are my inspiration. They are very talented and passionate winemakers. Their love for crafting wine immersed me, on a daily basis, in something that sparked a passion in me and led me to the path I am on now.
I hold a master’s degree in winemaking from Agriculture University in Zagreb, Croatia and a Graduate Diploma in Oenology from EIT, Hawke’s Bay. This has given me a deep understanding of winemaking practices from very different parts of the world that I draw on in my winemaking.
My parents started making wine in a garage with nothing but a strong belief and deep faith that this is what they should be doing. It was hard during the period of war in Croatia, but my family didn’t give up. As a family we are all proud of what we achieved in those extremely difficult times, making wine in a war zone is no easy thing! I treasure my family’s inspiration to work for something so interesting, challenging and amazing as making wine.
Due to a few sad things that happened there was no business for me to continue when I finished my study so now, here I am on the other side of the world, committed to continuing my family’s legacy and sharing our story.
I started Eva Pemper Wines with my business partner who owns a vineyard in Marlborough. This means that we have our own vineyards and a secure supply of high-quality grapes which is such an essential resource that ensures our ability to produce exceptional wine year after year.
The “Eva Pemper” brand is a product of many wonderful things that came together and became one.
Continuing my family’s legacy and sharing our story on the other side of the world is the core of my wines. I feel incredibly special to be able to do that from New Zealand.
How would you describe your winemaking philosophy and the unique techniques you use?
As a winemaker my vision is to allow the grapes and the vineyards to speak for themselves through the wine and to intervene as little as possible while crafting a delicious drop that represents a certain place in time. My winemaking style is quite simple, I try to make approachable wines that are easy to drink and can be enjoyed on any occasion, while at the same time they are delicious, fresh, and elegant.
What are the signature wines of Eva Pemper Wines, and what makes them special?
Sauvignon Blanc – New Zealand grows such unique, high quality and delicious Sauvignon Blanc. It is the most famous wine that comes from New Zealand and it is recognized globally as an incredible expression of this very special grape variety. I am so grateful to be here in New Zealand and to be able to make this wine and showcase to the world how absolutely fantastic it is. For me Sauvignon Blanc is “New Zealand in the glass” – it is fresh, pure and vibrant and full of unique and delicious flavours. As a winemaker it is my staple wine and the core of Eva Pemper wine brand and it is so important for me when I highlight this wine that everyone who has a glass knows it can only come from one and only place in the world – Marlborough, New Zealand. For me personally as a winemaker, Sauvignon Blanc holds a special place in my heart, it was the first ever wine I have released under Eva Pemper wine brand in December 2019.
Pinot Noir - this is definitely a winemaker’s variety - so difficult to make and super demanding from the vineyard to the winery but when successful, it is absolutely an incredible wine that has everything you need to enjoy a glass of wine and be immersed into all that it gives, aromas, flavours, terroir, winemakers touch, etc. It is a winemaker’s challenge and such immense pride and recognition when it becomes highly rated and awarded.
How did the collaboration with Little Farms come about, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of this partnership?
The connection with Little Farms was created through a wonderful event organised by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise in May 2023 in Singapore at the NZ High Commission where the producers, including myself were able to share their wines with the guests.
The most rewarding aspect has been the opportunity to get Eva Pemper wine brand into Singapore and being represented by a business like Little Farms that has the same values, which is very important.
