1902, Assid Corban: Fruit of the vine

Assid Corban counter-attacks the prohibitionists before a national poll in 1919. (Waitakere Library and Information Services / J.T. Diamond Collection)

When Assid Corban established his Mount Lebanon vineyard at Henderson in 1902, it was an unheralded move.

The only time the Herald mentioned Corban that year was when he was a victim of petty crime: two children were charged with stealing a pair of his socks. But, without fanfare, he was hard at work starting a business that was to have a lasting effect on New Zealand and the wine industry.

Though there were many who doubted the gumlands country could ever be profitable, Corban proved them wrong.

It was a struggle though. He and his family - who had migrated from Lebanon - used to sell their wines from the back of a truck travelling around the country.

By 1910 the Herald was writing in glowing terms about his achievement as "a striking example of what may be accomplished in the way of converting the once despised gumlands into highly-profitable country, and at the same time they show the possibility of obtaining in the future a very valuable asset for the Dominion".

Although Corbans wine has long since passed out of the family, the brand still exists as part of the Lion food and beverage company. Assid Corban is our New Zealander of the Year for starting it all.

Further reading:
'A brief history of the Corban Winery', CEAC

Corbans' history, Corbans.co.nz