Evy Gozali

Tell us your story – how did you get here?

I was born and raised in Jakarta until I was around 12, then I moved to Singapore for secondary school. I got into Cornell
University, and the first three years of my Bachelor Degree was really fun. Amazing friends, hard classes. But the last year of my Masters was truly hard. I even thought about giving up, but I did not. Master of Financial Engineering is my highest degree.

I am always inspired by my mom, who always encourages me and my sisters to do our best in business. She taught me to look at the market size, think long-term, and to see Indonesia’s potential. On top of that, her faith and principles are so strong that everything can be solved with the right mindset, together with a trust in good timing. Her influence has made me who I am today, leading Sababay to keep innovating and expanding, and to passionately represent a local product with confidence.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am so proud that Sababay was able to expand during the pandemic, opening our Sababay Winery doors as one of Bali’s hidden gems; a bucket list visit in Gianyar. It has allowed me to meet a lot of amazing new friends, and to be able to collaborate in different ways. To receive the 2022 Bali Local Attraction of the year in Bali from the Travel & Hospitality Awards was a bonus!

I am also proud that Sababay keeps innovating, and we just recently launched our new rosé series that has already won a bronze medal in the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2023 in London, among the famous, grand rosé brands.

Then on a more personal level, I am proud of hitting my intermittent fasting goals! As of now, I have reached 36-hour fasts a few times already, and this is how much energy our body is still able to generate after fasting: enough to do a forearm stand in my yoga class!

What impact have you made in Bali?

I have shared my dream by encouraging our young team to explore various possibilities. We believe in creating jobs, promoting local products, showing the potential of Indonesia to tourists, and proving that these movements create impact. Together we can build a better economy and raise the standards of living for local communities, which results in growth nationwide. Our aim is to always widen the network of Sababay farmers, and to accommodate the 500 farmers who are still waiting for the partnership, so they can create a scalable business. Through Sababay Winery & Distillery, I believe we can achieve those dreams together with our amazing Sababay tribe.

What does the future look like for you?

In the near future, I’ll be building my family a villa, heading off on more international travels, and getting involved in more exciting collaborations.

What do you love most about Bali?

Living in balance: in-between the mountains and the beach, yoga and shopping, sunset walks or nights out. Bali has it all. We work hard in Bali but we balance it with “Wine Down in the Garden”. And it’s always calming to be surrounded by so many amazing people. I can choose to be in an isolated area yet close enough to have a city feel when I need to. There is so much to explore in Bali.

What makes the perfect drink, and why?

Honestly, for our tropical weather, rosé is the perfect drink! As mentioned before, we just launched our new rosé collection, with sweet, dry, still and bubbles for all occasions! I have been practising “rosé all day”.

Who is your Local Legend and why?

Sophie Digby, one of the founders of The Yak magazine. I am sure everyone in Bali knows her. I don’t see her often and most of the time we don’t plan to meet, but we do! And she is always full of life, engaging, thoughtful, a pleasant person to hang out with!