Villa Maria - New Zealand's Most Awarded Winery

Introduction

The Villa Maria story is one of absolute passion. 100% New Zealand and family owned, Villa Maria Estate was founded in 1961 by George Fistonich who, through his dedication to quality, has led Villa Maria to claim the title of New Zealand’s Most Awarded Wines.

Fistonich’s interest in winemaking started when New Zealand’s wine industry was virtually nonexistent. In 1961 Fistonich leased five acres of land from his father at Kirkbride Road in Mangere, Auckland, and with an acre of vines Fistonich started making wine under the name Villa Maria. Why Villa Maria? Quite ironically, Fistonich and his friends believed it sounded European. “In the 1960’s imported products had a better reputation than New Zealand made, particularly as far as wine was concerned. We liked the fact it had a romantic, somewhat international ring to it.”Fistonich could not have imagined how far the New Zealand wine industry would progress in the years to come.Throughout the 1960s Villa Maria was a one-man band, with Fistonich’s wife Gail supporting him in his venture. He made dry reds and whites, sourcing grapes from the greater Auckland regions of Kumeu, Whenuapai and TeKauwhata. In the early 1970s he started to employ staff and the company began to grow in leaps and bounds. TodayVilla Maria Estate employs around 170 staff and exports to more than 40 countries worldwide.

The Villa Maria Range

Villa Maria have four tiers of wines within their range and a large range of varietals in each tier, making an almost indeterminable number of wines to choose from:

Private Bin

The Private Bin label represents Villa Maria’s commitment to approachable, consistent quality wine. An excellent value range popular with wine drinkers throughout the world. This range includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah.

Cellar Selection

An emphasis on fruit quality and minimal handling results in intensely flavoured, elegant, food-friendly wines for the Cellar Selection label. The range includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Viognier, Merlot/CabernetSauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Syrah/Viognier.

Reserve Range

Only Villa Maria wines of exceptional quality are awarded the designation ‘RESERVE’ as they mature in cellars following vintage. Once released these wines will typically go on to win awards and accolades in wine judging around the world. This range includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah.

Single Vineyard

Each wine within this range displays its own distinct characteristics, which result from the unique terroir of the site from where the fruit is sourced. The winemaking approach for the Single Vineyard range is non-interventional, allowing the wine to take its own path. Wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.

To view the full range of Villa Maria Wines available on nzwineonline, CLICK HERE