Michael Brajkovich MW has been honoured as the 2024 Winemakers’ Winemaker, at a ceremony during ProWein today (12 March 2023).
Presented by the Institute of Masters of Wine and the drinks business since 2011, the award recognises outstanding achievement in winemaking. Masters of Wine winemakers and the previous award recipients voted Brajkovich as this year’s winner.
The New Zealand native is recognised by many as the pioneer of the Chardonnay movement in the country and for spearheading the use of screw cap closures. In 2001 he transitioned all Kumeu River Wines to screw cap closure. Michael is a champion for wild yeasts in winemaking and continues to experiment and develop his technique as a winemaker. His wines continue to impress, perhaps most notably the Hunting Hill Chardonnay.
Cathy van Zyl MW, IMW chair, said “It is an honour to be able to announce Michael as the recipient of this award. He is an inspiration to many and the passion and dedication that he puts into his winemaking is evident in every glass.”
Via video message, Michael Brajkovich MW, said “I am absolutely delighted and deeply honoured to be recognised by my peers of the Institute… 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”.