About Us
From a one-man band to a global brand in 50 years
In 1961, at just 21 years of age, George Fistonich leased five acres of land from his father in Mangere, Auckland and started off with just an acre of vines.
George made his first wine under the name Villa Maria in 1962 with grapes harvested from this block.
Throughout the 1960s Villa Maria was a one-man band, with George’s wife, Gail, supporting him in his venture.
George made dry red and white wines, sourcing grapes from the greater Auckland regions.
In the early 1970s George started to employ staff and the company expanded rapidly.
Today, Villa Maria employs more than 250 permanent staff, grows 28 different grape varieties, and exports wine to over 60 countries worldwide.
Sir George Fistonich has spent six decades helping to nurture and expand New Zealand’s wine industry
At Villa Maria we're known for making bold, industry-changing moves.
Here are some of the great milestones and achievements we have accomplished since day one.
1961
George Fistonich leased five acres of his father and started with just an acre of vines
1962
Villa Maria produces first vintage.
Late 60s
Our Wine Club was established to educate consumers in wine & food matching.
Early 70s
Villa Maria employed first staff.
Early 80s
Villa Maria instigates first grape grower bonus- based on quality - not on quantity.
1988
International wine exports commenced.
1995
Villa Maria becomes an accredited Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) member.
2000
Villa Maria opens Marlborough winery.
2001
Villa Maria moves to become a cork-free zone – switching to 100% screwcaps.
2005
Villa Maria opens Auckland winery & vineyard park.
2009
George Fistonich receives country's first knighthood for services to the wine industry.
2012
Villa Maria celebrates 50 years of exceptional winemaking.
2013
Named Wine Company of the Year at the NZ International Wine Show.
2015
Villa Maria nominated 4th in World's 50 Most Admired Wine Brands by Drinks International UK.
2016
Named Most Trusted Wine Brand in NZ - Reader's Digest.
2017
George Fistonich inducted to Restaurant and Hospitality Hall of Fame.
2018
Villa Maria opens new winery in Hawkes Bay.
2020
Vintage is launched - a feature-length documentary following the all-consuming harvest period
Sir George Fistonich
Justin Liddell
Celia Mearns
Matt Deller
Karen Hutson
Nick Picone
Oliver Powrie
Gareth Insley
Karen Titulaer
Our regions
Sustainability and organics
"As a family company, the desire to leave something for the next generation is an ever-present and overriding business objective" - Sir George Fistonich, Founder and Owner
