Villa Maria

Auckland, New Zealand

www.villamaria.co.nz

From a one-man band to a global brand in just 50 years. In 1961, at just 21, George Fistonich leased five acres of land from his father in Mangere, Auckland and started off with just an acre of vines. He harvested his first grapes in 1962 and made his first wine under the name Villa Maria. Throughout the 1960s Villa Maria was a one-man band making dry red and white wines, sourcing grapes from the greater Auckland regions. In the early 1970s the company began to expand rapidly now employing more than 250 permanent staff with vineyards across NZ, exporting to over 50 countries worldwide. George has effectively help develop the modern NZ wine industry and as an icon of the industry regularly engages in bold industry-changing moves such as moving to 100% screwcap and employing sustainable practices in every area of the family owned company. When you talk Villa you will be reminded of its catchphrase – NZ’s most awarded winery. George’s mantra behind this and the secret to Villa Maria’s success “does not lie in chasing awards but rather focusing on making superior quality wine that consumers can readily enjoy. Get this right and the awards naturally follow” and boy do they follow. Add to the countless number of medals, and trophy’s Villa’s wines have won, Villa Maria winery has been awarded some outstanding accolades itself – numerous winery of the year titles and the honour of being placed in the Worlds 50 Most Admired Brands, and Worlds 50 Great Wine Producers!

	Winemaker: Nick Picone Internationally renowned winemaker Oliver Masters (Olly) is the Winemaker for Misha’s Vineyard. Forging some of New Zealand’s most consistently fine pinot noir over the past decade, Olly has carved a reputation as one of New Zealand’s leading winemakers and wine judges. Starting his career in Martinborough in 1989, Olly has also worked in Hawkes Bay, Martinborough and Burgundy Making his Central Otago ‘debut’, Olly’s role with Misha’s Vineyard is probably best described as “Director of Style & Taste”
	Viticulturalist: Oliver Powrie Michelle, who grew up in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, moved to NZ in 2005 where she embarked upon a career in agriculture which started in a Central Otago vineyard, and is now supplemented with a National Certificate in Horticulture. With a stint in Marlborough and a few seasons in the orchards, Central Otago’s leading wine producers in organic vineyards drew her back. Michelle passionate about her industry helps put together the Markham’s Young Viticulturist Competition of which she was the 2012 runner up.
	Founder & Owner: Sir George Fistonich founded Villa Maria Estate in Auckland in 1961. With vision and determination he has steered the company to become New Zealand’s leading wine award winner. George’s interest in winemaking started when New Zealand’s wine industry was virtually non-existent. Passionate from a young age, wine was a central part of his upbringing. From early on, George focused on the importance of regional differences in relation to grape quality and wine styles. He pioneered the use of contract growers and led Villa Maria to become the first NZ wine company to initiate payment for grapes based on quality rather than a flat contract price. George does not believe in change for the sake of it, but he is recognised as one of the true innovators of the New Zealand wine industry going fully cork free in 2002 and was one of the first wine businesses to employ professional viticuturists.For George it came down to quality, something he has never been willing to compromise on. His passion for excellence and ability to instil that passion in those associated with Villa Maria are major factors in the company’s continued success.