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The Story

Villa Maria Black Birch vineyard sunrise

Villa Maria is a story of pioneering spirit and a desire to champion the best of New Zealand wine.

Villa Maria’s 60year journey at the forefront of New Zealand’s wine industry has shaped the brand as it stands today. Our extensive portfolio is one the most geographically and stylistically diverse and highly awarded ranges of premium wines by any New Zealand producer, from the cool climate region of Marlborough, famous for crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, to the sun-soaked Hawkes Bay producing world-class reds.

Throughout the 1960s Villa Maria was a one man band. In 1961, at only 21 years of age, Sir George Fistonich started off with just an acre of vines in Māngere, Auckland. The first wine under the name Villa Maria in 1962 was made with grapes harvested from this block. Today, Villa Maria is globally recognised and adored for its bold, expressive and exceptional New Zealand wines.

Sir George Fistonich