Villa Maria Estate Celebrates 50 Years of Exceptional, Family-Owned Winemaking

Villa Maria Estate is New Zealand’s most awarded winery and this year marks 50 years since the first vintage of Villa Maria wine was bottled by Founder & Owner Sir George Fistonich.

To celebrate this significant milestone, Sir George is hosting 50th vintage celebration events in Villa Maria Estate’s key export markets over the next six months. His road show commenced in the United States in early May and will be followed by events in Canada, Asia, Europe and New Zealand to celebrate 50 years of exceptional, family-owned winemaking.

In the U.S., Sir George Fistonich was joined by Alastair Maling, MW, Villa Maria’s General Manager of Winemaking and Viticulture for a six city tour (April 30 to May 11) to Los Angeles/Orange County, San Francisco, Dallas, New York City, Washington, D.C. and Seattle for celebratory events.

“Great wine starts with exceptional vineyards and exceptional people. If you have these foundations, you have the best chance of making the best wines,” says George. “I embarked on this journey to celebrate this tremendous personal and professional milestone with the people whose continuous support played a critical part in Villa Maria’s success story over the last 50 years; trade partners, journalists and our loyal customers.”

In 1961, George 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.

Throughout the 1960’s Villa Maria was virtually a one-man band, with George’s wife, Gail, supporting him in his venture. He made dry red and white wines, sourcing grapes from the greater Auckland region. In the early 1970’s he started to employ staff and the company began to expand rapidly.

Today, Villa Maria remains proudly 100% New Zealand and family-owned employing more than 250 permanent staff. The company has two state-of-the-art winery facilities in Auckland and Marlborough and exports premium New Zealand wine to over 50 countries worldwide.

Sir George Fistonich has spent five decades at the forefront of New Zealand’s wine industry. As an icon of the industry, Villa Maria is known for its bold and industry-changing moves such as moving to 100% screwcap through to the emphasis on sustainable practices in every area of the company.

About Villa Maria Estate The Villa Maria story is one of absolute passion. The winery was founded in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich and remains family owned. Fistonich’s dedication to quality has led Villa Maria to become the New Zealand wine icon it is today. Villa Maria sources grapes from New Zealand’s premium grape growing regions: Marlborough, Hawkes Bay, Gisborne and Waipara and produces wines in state-of-the-art winemaking facilities in Auckland and Marlborough. Each wine is crafted in the unique, fruit-driven style of New Zealand, showcasing the very best of the country’s distinct wine regions. www.villamaria.co.nz

About Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the U.S. importer for Villa Maria Estate, has become the most prominent wine company in Washington State, known for its pioneering spirit and world-class wines. Its wineries include Chateau Ste. Michelle (founded in 1934), Columbia Crest, Northstar, Col Solare (in partnership with Antinori) and Spring Valley Vineyards in Washington State; Erath Winery in Oregon; and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (in partnership with Antinori), Conn Creek and Villa Mt. Eden wineries in Napa Valley, California. In addition, the company is the exclusive importer for all Antinori wines in the U.S. www.smwe.com

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For further information:
Jennifer J. Scott
425/415-3719
jennifer.j.scott@smwe.com