Babich Wines is one of the largest family-owned wineries in New Zealand, founded by Dalmatia-born Josip Babich. As a 14-year-old, he emigrated in 1910 with his brothers to New Zealand, planted his first vines two years later, and in 1916 the first wine was released for sale under the name Babich Brothers. Today the company is in the hands of the third generation of the family, represented by David Babich. From Henderson Valley to Marlborough In 1919, the family moved to Henderson Valley west of Auckland, to a 24-hectare estate — the Henderson Valley winery and vineyard remain the company's headquarters to this day. During World War II, winemaking became the family's main activity, and in the 1950s Josip was joined by his three sons. Currently, Babich owns 499 hectares of vines across eight vineyards spread across three valleys in the Marlborough region on the South Island — Awatere, Waihopai and Wairau — as well as five vineyards in Hawke's Bay on the North Island totaling over 80 hectares. Sustainable Winemaking Babich places great emphasis on sustainable and organic farming. The family's philosophy is to create wines that reflect the character of New Zealand's regions — from cool Marlborough to warmer Hawke's Bay.