Michael Brajkovich studied Oenology at Roseworthy Agricultural College in South Australia, now part of the University of Adelaide. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Oenology (Wine Science) as dux of his year, and returned to the family vineyard and winery in Kumeu to take responsibility for wine production. Since then he has travelled extensively through the world’s wine areas and had the opportunity to spend the 1983 vintage in France.
Based on this experience a new range of wines was developed under the Kumeu River label. In particular, the Chardonnay wines have enjoyed critical acclaim and success in international markets. The purchase of a Limestone-based vineyard at Raukawa in the Hawkes Bay in 2017 is an exciting new development for Kumeu River, featuring Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
In 1989 Michael passed the Examination and became New Zealand’s first member of the Institute of Masters of Wine, London. He has many years’ experience in judging at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards, and at several Australian Capital City Wine Shows. He was Chair of Judges at the Air NZ Wine Awards 2012-2016, and at the Royal Adelaide Wine Show 2015-2017.
