Villa Maria Estate is a New Zealand wine company. It has vineyards in Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Marlborough and Auckland[1][2][3] Villa Maria was founded in 1961 by George Fistonich who, through his dedication to quality, has lead Villa Maria to claim the title of New Zealand’s Most Awarded Winemaker. Recognising the part that viticulture plays in the production of quality wine, Villa Maria was the first New Zealand winery to employ professional viticulturalists.
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Villa Maria Estate has four tier of wine labeled Villa Maria Reserve, Single Vineyard, Cellar Selection and Private Bin.[4]. In terms of wine styles, like many New Zealand wineries[5] it produces Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, 'Bordeaux' varieties, Pinot Noir and Riesling[6]. Other less common (in New Zealand) varieties produced include; Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Verdelho, Syrah, Grenache and Arneis[7].
Villa Maria Estate has two wineries in New Zealand. The largest is the Auckland winery which officially opened in February 2005. Villa Maria Estate’s original Auckland winery was on a site at Kirkbride Road in Mangere, close to Auckland’s International Airport. The Marlborough winery now crushes Villa Maria’s Marlborough harvest from its vineyards and contract growers throughout the region.[1][8].
Villa Maria Estate owns three other brands Vidal, Esk Valley and Thornbury.[1]