Villa Maria

Villa Maria is one of New Zealand's best-known and most respected wine brands. It is a symbol of quality, innovation, and the determination of one man who managed to build a global icon from a small vision.

The brand's story begins in 1961, when 21-year-old George Fistonich, the son of Croatian immigrants, rented a single acre of land from his father in Mangere, near Auckland. He planted vines on this small plot and named his winery Villa Maria. From the very beginning, he decided to focus on quality and attention to detail in the vineyard and cellar. He gradually expanded, and his wines gained respect both at home and abroad.

Villa Maria is considered a pioneer of modern New Zealand winemaking. As early as the 1970s, it paid grape pickers according to quality rather than quantity, motivating growers to take a craft approach. In 2001, it became the first winery in New Zealand to introduce 100 % screw caps on all its wines. This was a bold move at the time and many questioned it, but it later inspired the entire industry. The company also invests in sustainable practices, organic farming, and reducing its environmental footprint.

The winery has vineyards in several key areas of New Zealand. In Marlborough, it grows Sauvignon Blanc, which is famous worldwide for its freshness, tropical fruit, and citrus notes. Hawke's Bay is home to red wines - especially Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Auckland and Gisborne regions are ideal for Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. The brand's portfolio ranges from accessible wines for everyday drinking to the premium Villa Maria Reserve and Single Vineyard series, which represent the country's best terroir.

Since the 1980s, Villa Maria has regularly appeared among New Zealand's most awarded wineries. It has won hundreds of medals and titles at prestigious competitions such as the Decanter World Wine Awards and the International Wine Challenge, and is one of the most admired wine brands in the world.

Interestingly, founder George Fistonich was knighted in 2009 for his contributions to the development of the wine industry, becoming Sir George Fistonich. The winery remained a family business for more than 60 years, until 2021, when it came under the management of Indevin. Villa Maria wine is often referred to as "New Zealand's ambassador" because it was instrumental in establishing the country's reputation as one of the world's most important wine destinations.

Today, Villa Maria embodies the New Zealand spirit: boldness, innovation, a focus on quality, and respect for nature. What began as the dream of a young man with a single acre of vineyard is now enjoyed in more than 60 countries around the world and is synonymous with premium New Zealand wine.