Villa Maria Named No. 1 Wine Brand in New Zealand by Drinks International for Fourth Consecutive Year

Auckland, New Zealand

For the fourth year in a row, Villa Maria has been named one of the most admired wine brands in the world by Drinks International, a leading magazine for the alcohol beverage industry. Additionally, for the past four years, Villa Maria has also been the #1 most admired wine brand in New Zealand on the publication’s “World’s Most Admired Wine Brands” list, placing eighth globally in 2018.

The list is compiled annually by polling more than 100 wine industry experts comprised of key buyers, wine writers, journalists, Masters of Wine and wine educators who consider more than 100,000 wineries for this accolade. These range from highly expensive and iconic wineries to commercial brands stocked at supermarkets and other retail outlets. The wine brands reviewed come from all regions, and their styles and qualities are rated against each other.

The judges focus on consistency or improvement in quality, the wine being a true reflection of the country of origin and meeting the needs and tastes of its target audience. Alongside this the judges consider marketing and packaging and the appeal of the wine to a wide demographic.

“For a relatively young winemaking nation like New Zealand, inclusion on this list is immensely powerful for New Zealand wine and the New Zealand export sector,” said Sir George Fistonich, founder and president of Villa Maria. “Being named as the most admired wine brand in New Zealand four years in a row is testament to the level of quality our wines consistently deliver and shows we exceed in all the award criteria. It’s such an amazing recognition for Villa Maria and I’m incredibly proud that we continue to rate the highest New Zealand winery on this most prestigious of lists.”

Newly appointed Villa Maria CEO Abe Salt commented, “George has built an incredibly passionate and talented team of winemakers and viticulturists who have an unwavering commitment to making quality wine sustainably. News of our inclusion on this list reaffirms my belief that I have joined the Villa Maria family at an exciting time and look forward to contributing to the success and future growth of the company. Villa Maria has all the foundations in place to continue on this trajectory of success and recognition.”

Drinks International‘s 2018 Top 10 Most Admired Wine Brands

1. Torres
2. Concha y Toro
3. Penfolds
4. Yalumba
5. Vina Errazuriz
6. M Chapoutier
7. Ridge
8. Villa Maria
9. Felton Road
10. E Guigal

ABOUT VILLA MARIA: The Villa Maria story is one of absolute passion. Each wine is crafted in the unique, fruit-driven style of New Zealand, showcasing the very best of the country’s distinct wine regions. Villa Maria sources grapes from New Zealand’s premium grape growing regions, including Marlborough and Hawkes Bay, and produces wines in state-of-the-art winemaking facilities in Auckland and Marlborough. The winery Sir George Fistonich started in 1961 is still family owned and stands as an icon of superior quality and innovation in New Zealand winemaking. To learn more, visit www.villamariawine.com.

©2018 Imported by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Woodinville, WA 98072

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For further information:
Christina Starr
christina.Starr@smwe.com