Eva's Story
Welcome to Eva Pemper Wines. I would like to take this opportunity to let you know a little bit more about me and give you an idea about what the “Eva Pemper” brand story is all about.
About Eva Pemper
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 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 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 worked for the Marris Family and the Ned for 6 years. Following that I did a year and a half at Marlborough Vintners as a Client Winemaker making wine for a lot of different smaller producers which was a great experience that helped me build on my skills and knowledge of different winemaking styles.
I left MVL in May 2019 to follow my dream of continuing my family tradition of making great wines. One door closes, the other one opens I guess... In late 2019 I was asked to go to the South of France as a consultant winemaker for Liberty Wines. That was an amazing and invaluable experience that has deepened my love of the world of wine.
I started EP Wines Ltd 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.
About “EVA PEMPER” brand
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 very special to be able to do that from New Zealand.
One of the fundamental inspirations of “Eva Pemper” wine is the significant influence of Croatian heritage in New Zealand’s wine industry. This history saw families coming here from Croatia over a hundred years ago with just their suitcases, following their dream. Today this dream has resulted in some of New Zealand’s highest profile wine industry people and brands that are well-known and respected here and around the world.
As the owner of the “Eva Pemper” brand one of my aims is to inspire young people in wine industry in NZ and all over the world to believe in themselves and to work towards achieving their dreams.
Little Cupid holding a glass of wine is a legacy from my family’s wine label and represents the love and passion for life that we all can enjoy in a wonderful glass of wine.
The “Eva Pemper” brand is all about premium quality wines targeting restaurants, wine shops, wine bars and online wine sales.
About “EVA PEMPER” wines
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 very 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.
“Eva Pemper” brand’s portfolio at the moment consists of a Single Vineyard Chardonnay, Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc and a Rosé.
My dream is to showcase the best of each wine region in New Zealand. This could include wines like Central Otago Pinot Noir or Hawke’s Bay Syrah.
I am particularly passionate and intrigued by the world of sparkling wine. I am hoping to one day introduce a beautiful bubbly in to the “Eva Pemper” brand as well. That is another dream of mine.