Our people make the difference

Chairman - Peter Babich, (MBE)

The Chairman of the Board, was honoured by the industry in 1995 by being elected a Fellow of the Wine Institute of New Zealand.

Managing Director - Joe Babich

A long-standing senior wine judge, during more than thirty-five vintages as winemaker has won an international reputation for his stylish, finely balanced white and red wines. Joe has long been acclaimed as one of New Zealand's most talented and most respected winemakers and wine judges, and has carved out a reputation for consistently outstanding wines.

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Maureen Radford

Peter and Joe's sister, works part time helping with the day-to-day running of the winery.

General Manager - David Babich

Peter’s middle son, joined the company as General Manager in February 2001. He has a small sales and marketing background, combined with experience and university qualifications in winemaking (a Bachelors’ degree in Winemaking and Viticulture from Roseworthy College in South Australia) and a double major in Marketing and Management from Auckland University. David’s role at Babich Wines includes strategic planning and management, involvement in domestic sales and marketing, and ensuring both quality and continuity of grape supply.

Director of Sales and Marketing - Martin Tutty (MBA, Dip. Marketing)

Joined Babich Wines in July 1997 and provides an innovative style to marketing Babich. He has a wide background in sales and marketing of branded food and beverage products.

Head Winemaker - Adam Hazeldine (NZCS Biology, BAppSc Wine Science)

Was appointed Head Winemaker at Babich Wines in mid 2001. He has worked at Babich Wines since September 1996 starting out as a cellar-hand before rising to Laboratory Manager (1999), Assistant Winemaker (2000) and finally Winemaker. Adam is responsible for overseeing Babich's winemaking, cellar and bottling operations, and heads a team of winery staff.

Hawke’s Bay Viticulturalist - Tony Purdie

In 1992 after completing a certificate in Horticulture in Auckland, Tony moved to Hawke’s Bay to study Viticulture and Winemaking at EIT. In late 2000 he joined Babich in Auckland and in 2002 was given the opportunity to manage the Ohiti block for Fernhill Holdings in Hawke’s Bay. Since Jim Hamilton’s retirement in June 2009, Tony is now Manager and Viticulturalist of Fernhill Holdings.

Marlborough Viticulturist - John Sowman

Has over ten years experience in vineyard development and management, combined with Postgraduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology from Lincoln University. He is responsible for the continued development and management of the 154 hectares of various Babich vineyards as well as the contract growers in Marlborough.

Brand Marketing Manager - John Lang (Bachelor of Business Studies, Degree in Marketing)

Has been with Babich since 2003. John's experience within the hospitality industry has given him a good understanding of all aspects of the wine trade.

Winemaker - Craig Hoskin (Bachelor Viticulture & Oenology)

Was appointed Winemaker in 2008 after joining Babich Wines as Assistant Winemaker in 2003. In 2004 Craig traveled throughout Europe to increase his wine knowledge. Craig was re-appointed to Assistant Winemaker on his return to NZ. Craig’s responsibilities range from managing daily cellar work, overseeing vintage operations in Marlborough and administering Babich’s Sustainable Wine Growing program.