Haere Ra 2025: Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland
Kumeu River Winemaker Michael Brajkovich reflects on the year, including the loss of industry icons Peter Babich, Tim Finn and Dr Richard Smart.
Presented by the Institute of Masters of Wine and The Drinks Business since 2011, the award recognises outstanding achievement in winemaking, with Masters of Wine winemakers and the previous award recipients voting in the recipient.
The Kumeu River winemaker was mid-harvest at the time, so accepted the award with a video message.
“I am absolutely delighted and deeply honoured to be recognised by my peers of the Institute,” he said, as reception guests were poured a glass of the 2022 Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay.
“It’s a real honour to be included in the list of people who have won this award in the past and even more so because it is a recognition from members of the Institute and particularly winemaker members of the Institute.”
Michael emphasised that winemaking is a team effort and credited his family who are actively involved at Kumeu River.
“My brother Milan looks after the vineyards, sales and marketing is taken care of by my sister Marijana and brother Paul. The company was started by my late father Maté Brajkovich and continued by his wife (my mother) Melba Brajkovich. And I’d also like to mention Nigel Tibbits who who’s been with the family business for 50 years and continues to help us make great wine.”
