Interview With Eva Pemper Wines

In this exclusive feature, we speak with Eva Pemper from Eva Pemper Wines in New Zealand. We’ll find out a little about her life in the world of sparkling wine.

It’s Great To Speak With You, Eve. Can You Tell Us A Bit About Yourself & How You Became Involved In The Wine Industry?

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 very special to be able to do that from New Zealand.

Do You Remember Your First Experience With Sparkling Wine? When It Was And What Kind Of Wine It Was?

My first experience with sparkling wine was when I was probably a teenager and it was always a must in our family to celebrate New Year’s with a glass of yummy sparkling wine so I remember it being quite sweet but also so refreshing and delicious – it was a German Sekt. That is when I first tasted it and in terms of making some sparkling wine for the first time as a winemaker that was in New Zealand when I was working on a project of making the first-ever Blanc de Blanc for this wine producer, 100% Marlborough Chardonnay. It was very special to be involved in that – it was history in making so I am very grateful for that opportunity.

What Part Of The Wine Making Process Do You Enjoy The Most?

Harvest has always been my favourite part of winemaking. It feels like the culmination of an entire year of hard work, patience and care in the vineyard. I love everything about it and especially the excitement of seeing the grapes arrive at the winery. There’s a real romance to harvest. Every vintage is different, and that’s what makes it so special. You work with nature and every decision helps shape the personality of the wine for that year. It’s intense and demanding but it’s also the most inspiring and rewarding time of the year. It reminds me exactly why I fell in love with winemaking in the first place.

As A Winemaker, What Has Been Your Hardest Obstacle To Overcome?

The hardest obstacle I’ve had to overcome was leaving my family winery in Croatia after it closed down and moving to the other side of the world to continue pursuing my dream of becoming a winemaker. Wine had always been my life, so saying goodbye to something that meant so much to my family was incredibly difficult.

Starting over in a new country came with plenty of challenges – building a career from scratch, adapting to a different winemaking culture and being far away from family and friends. But that experience also made me more resilient and determined. Looking back, it was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but it led me to where I am today, doing what I love in Marlborough and creating wines that reflect both my heritage and my journey while continuing my family legacy and sharing our story around the world.

How Do You Determine When Your Wine Is Ready To Drink?

For me, it all comes down to balance. A wine is ready to drink when all of its elements work together in harmony.

When the fruit, acidity, sweetness, tannins, alcohol and texture are integrated rather than competing for attention.

I’m always looking for that point where the wine feels complete, with each component supporting the others and creating a seamless, enjoyable experience. At the end of the day, I just trust my palate when tasting

Can You Share With Us One Of The Most Memorable Experiences You’ve Enjoyed With A Glass of Bubbly?

One of my most memorable moments with a glass of bubbly was on New Year’s Eve, just as the clock struck midnight. We were celebrating with a bottle of Moët & Chandon 2009 when my partner surprised me by getting down on one knee and proposing. It was such an unexpected and magical moment, filled with excitement,
happiness and lots of happy tears. Often now when I enjoy a glass of sparkling wine, t brings back the memories of that incredible night and reminds me how special a bottle of bubbly can be when it becomes a part of life’s biggest celebrations.

Thank you Eva, for sharing your story and experiences with us and we at Glass of Bubbly wish you the very best for the future!

Image credit belongs to Eva Pemper Wines. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use it.