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Aroha Jakicevich, Family Business Manager of Glengarry Wines 24.01.25

In this week's TBIYTC, we are joined by Aroha, the fourth-generation leader of Glengarry Wines. Aroha reflects on what it means to lead a family business in the modern age, capturing tradition while embracing change.

When you’re part of a family business, people assume the script is already written. But let’s get one thing straight… legacy isn’t static. It’s not something you dust off every once in a while and put on display. It’s messy, alive, and constantly evolving. You respect it, sure, but you’ve also got to shake it up a bit.

Our story started in 1945 when my great-grandfather Josef Jakicevich opened a wine shop on Jervois Road. Back then, buying wine meant committing to a couple of gallons (yes, gallons), and the selection was strictly Kiwi. Fast forward almost 80 years, and that little shop is still standing, but Glengarry has grown into something much bigger. As you’d expect, we’ve been through it all and we stand today fiercely independent, because that’s just how we roll.

Now, here I am, stepping into leadership as the fourth generation. No pressure, right? It’s one hell of a balancing act - honouring everything that’s come before while making sure we don’t end up stuck in the past. Let’s be real: the drinks scene these days is chaos. We’re bombarded with RTDs, Seltzers, Trad and funky Natural wines. If I walk into one more shop that looks like a daycare with all its bright colours and sugary cans, I might scream. Meanwhile, wine culture isn’t doing itself any favours, either…

Why do so many of us panic when a sommelier approaches? Is it the fear of saying “Beaujolais” wrong? Or are we all just traumatised by the pretentious types who think they’re God’s gift to wine? Look, there are amazing, approachable somms out there who make it easy to explore, but there’s no denying that wine snobbery is a major TURN OFF. And the irony? Wine isn’t supposed to be that serious. At its core, it’s simple. You don’t need to write a dissertation on tannins to enjoy it. Find something you like and pour a glass!

Summer fun, great drinks, and just the right amount of chaos ~

Grab something bold - maybe a Châteauneuf-du-Pape for dinner or a magnum of Champagne or Prosecco, because why not? Be brave, ask for a recommendation, take a little time to enjoy it. As for me? I’ll be on my porch with a glass of Godello from Bierzo, Spain - a seriously tasty drop! The sneaky cigarette? Me!? Never!...

Written by Aroha Jakicevich

Family Business Manager, Glengarry Wines

Iwi - Te Rarawa

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