Villa Maria Auckland

Villa Maria - New Zealand's Most Awarded Winery.

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.

Villa Maria's Auckland winery is situated on 40ha of picturesque land in Ihumatao.

The site itself, spanning the base of an extinct volcano, is planted in Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Verdelho and Albariño vines and groves of exotic and native trees.

The vines and trees create superb parkland around the winery and create an ambient and tranquil setting for functions and events.