Spotlight of the Month | Eva Pemper Wines
Name: Eva Pemper
Company and Position: Eva Pemper Wines, Founder and Winemaker
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.
How has partnering with Little Farms in Singapore impacted your brand and visibility in the region?
It has definitely been amazing to have Little Farms stocking all of Eva wines portfolio and me being able to promote it and also doing a few events together and in-store tastings where I could connect direct to consumers and customers and create that personal connection and tell the brand story. For Little Farms those connections and telling the stories are very important and it has been great to collaborate in that way. This is where we align as businesses, so I am excited to see what the future brings!
Can you tell us about your award-winning wines and what these accolades mean to you?
My 2022 Single Vineyard Eva Pemper Sauvignon Blanc was the winner at the People’s Choice Wine Awards in Manchester, UK in February this year. It won overall in the category Easy Weekday White. This wine competition is judged by consumers, and it is unique in the world because of that, other judges are young wine professionals and people from the wine trade in the UK. Being the People’s Choice award winner really aligns with my winemaking philosophy of making easy-going and approachable wines for everyday drinking that are high quality and complex at the same time. It is so special for me because it aligns with the brand values of being consumer-friendly and a wine for people to enjoy while celebrating special moments in their life or just everyday life – that also says on the back label of this wine. It really confirms the authenticity of the brand and the winemaking, which is so important.
Recently, my 2022 Pinot Noir in March 2024 won the Master Medal and the best oaked Pinot Noir in the category 20-30 pounds at the Global Masters Pinot Noir 2024 by the Drinks Business. It is also the only NZ Pinot Noir that won the Master Medal across all the categories this year. This competition recognises and rewards the finest Pinot Noirs on the world stage. The Global Masters Pinot Noir is judged blind by the finest palates in the world – a panel of Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, and senior buyers only. The best competing wines are awarded medals from Bronze through to Gold, and Master for exceptional examples.
As a small new wine brand, I’m incredibly proud of this wine trying to build the brand awareness globally. This recognition is huge!
What sustainable practices do you implement in your winemaking process?
Sustainable environmental practices are very important part for Eva Pemper Wines as a company and as a brand and have always been one of the key focuses in all the processes undertaken through the winemaking journey. It is an integral part of the continuous improvement.
Environmental sustainability, kaitiakitanga, Maori, meaning guardianship and protection of the land aligns very closely to the brand values and the company vision to leave the legacy for the future generations.
I also look at sustainability as cultural sustainability and being about people and the value for the region so supporting local businesses is crucial to achieve a great and desired level of sustainability overall.
When deciding on a best strategic partner, a supplier and business that invests in sustainability and monitors the impacts is preferred, as well as being a local business.
In terms of vineyards and grape supply, Eva Pemper Wines only sources grapes from Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand certified vineyards which ensures that the grape growers adhere to standards and guidelines for implementing only sustainable practices in the vineyard.
During the winemaking I try to intervene as little as possible making vegan and vegetarian wines, free of fining.
One crucial sustainability improvement being implemented to reduce carbon footprint is fully moving to lightweight bottles with all the wines made in 2024 and also to a fully recyclable cap.
What are your future goals for Eva Pemper Wines, and are there any upcoming projects or releases you’re excited about?
“Eva Pemper” brand’s portfolio at the moment consists of a Single Vineyard Chardonnay, Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Single Vineyard Pinot Noir and a Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 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.
Another dream of mine is to release a wine I would make in Croatia from an indigenous Croatian variety under my brand- now that would be amazing! I would also love to resurrect my family’s little winery and cellar door in central Croatia and to have my New Zealand wines available there as well alongside the Croatian wines. It would also be a chance to showcase and support some of the other Croatian wineries and winemakers too.
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.
How has your trip to Singapore been, and what have you enjoyed most about your visit?
Singapore never ceases to amaze me with how wonderful I feel every time I am there. I was telling a friend of mine the other day that it is probably my third home, first Croatia, second New Zealand and third Singapore. This has been my third time in Singapore in the last 18 months. I really enjoyed the sense of community there and how wonderful and supportive people are, from individuals to businesses. It has always been my dream to have my wines available there and to be able to come often. I definitely enjoy sharing my story and my wines around Singapore and connecting with people the most. I always feel so welcomed and inspired and love the positivity that each of these visits bring into my life and into my business.
What advice would you give to aspiring winemakers, especially women looking to enter the industry?
It is really important to believe in yourself and to work towards achieving those dreams. One of the main things as well is to be open-minded and to find ways to connect and gather information and learn. There is a lot of supportive people in the wine world so do not be shy to reach out and put it out there in the universe what your dreams are and what your career goals are. You would be surprised how doors can open for you and how many opportunities are out there if you keep that mindset.
