Description
About John Kosovich Wines
In 1911 Ivan Kosovich, along with two of his brothers Mate and Nikola, arrived in Western Australia from the seaside village of Zaostrog, Croatia, the former Yugoslavia. Upon their arrival, they spent several years cutting timber in the South West of the state.
During World War I, the brothers, together with many other immigrants from the former Yugoslavia and Italy, were sent to Rottnest Island for the duration of the war. As they had arrived into the country on Austrian passports they were considered to be a risk to Australia’s security as Austria was an enemy of the allied forces.
The winery operated under the name Westfield Wines until 2003 when the decision was made to change the name to honour John’s 50th vintage. In 2004 John was awarded the Jack Mann Medal for services to the Western Australian wine industry and in the same year the winery was awarded the Best West Australian Small Producer at the Perth Royal Wine Show.
Over the years Arch has created his own place in the family business putting his own mark on the wines and continuing the tradition of award winning wines. He has become adept at creating beautiful Chenin Blanc’s receiving awards for several years in a row.
In 2020, after more than 30 years in the IT industry, eldest son Ray has joined the family business as Viticulturist and Business Manager. Over the years he was never far from the vineyard, helping out on weekends and holiday breaks wherever needed. In 1995 he commenced his Bachelor of Oneology through Charles Sturt University. He now works alongside his father managing the vineyards both in the Swan Valley and Pemberton.
John and Mary’s daughter Joanne, the youngest of the three, works part time as a Physiotherapist whilst raising two young children. She is a regular in the vineyard during picking and pruning season working alongside her parents, siblings and other family members. Jo is also there to work at the cellar door when the need arises.
Ray’s daughter Erin has taken on the role as social media coordinator on a part-time basis, fitting in with her full-time work as an Audiologist. Son Steven, currently studying for a Masters of Education, assists in the vineyard and winery when required. Joanne’s young daughter Emma at seven years of age began showing an interest in the winemaking process and both her and her brother can be seen at the winery regularly. With the fourth generation showing interest in the winery the future of the business beyond its centenary in 2022 looks bright.
