Frank Yukich

Frank Yukich, of Manukau, received the Insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the wine industry.   He was the co-founder of Montana Wines, which released its first vintage of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc in 1979.  Montana started exporting in 1981 and exports to more than 30 countries; the largest international market being the United Kingdom.  Montana Wines have won numerous awards, including the Marquis de Goulaine Trophy at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London in 1990 and was named the Best Imported Wine of the Year in Australia in 2002.  The 30th Vintage of Montana Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc received enthusiastic reviews in the Wall Street Journal and the Australian Winestate magazine in 2009.