Nikola Yukich
THE JOURNEY BEGINS
Nikola Yukich emigrated to Western Australia from Croatia in 1924.
When he arrived in Western Australia, Nikola journeyed to Kalgoorlie to work in the mines, he eventually saved enough to buy a horse and cart to have his own business cutting and supplying wood for the mining industry.
FIRST PLANTINGS - 1929
In 1929 Nikola purchased 2 hectares in Padbury Avenue in the Swan Valley where he planted vines. He still would go up to work the Woodline as they call it for the next 3 years, settling permanently in the Swan Valley in 1932 where he met his future wife Danica.
YUKICH FAMILY - 1934
In 1934 Nikola and Danica married and had two sons, Norm in 1935 and Mark in 1936
YUKICH BROTHERS WAS FORMED IN THE 1950S - 1953
Over the years Nikola, along with his sons, expanded their presence in the Swan valley by purchasing additional vineyard land starting in 1953, with 5 acres directly next door. For the next 3 years, settling permanently in the Swan Valley in 1932 where he met his future wife Danica.
THE LARGEST IN THE REGION - 1970
By the 1970’s, with further land purchases, sons Mark and Norm had grown their vineyard operations into one of the largest table grape growers in the region.
OAKOVER WINES - 1989
This business was split in the early 1990’s. Mark Yukich purchased 45 hectares (117 acres) off Houghton’s Estate in 1989, which became what is known today as Oakover wines.
COMING FULL CIRCLE - 2019
The third generation of the Yukich family, Graeme and Kim purchased Houghton’s Winery from the Carlyle group. This effectively joined the original property back together, 30 years later.
