In 1961, George Fistonich leased two hectares from his father in Aukland, New Zealand. With just under half a hectare of vines, he started making wine under the name Villa Maria.

Today, Villa Maria exports to more than 40 countries worldwide and is considered New Zealand’s most-awarded winery. How the boy with a Croatian background went from completing a five-year apprenticeship in carpentry to not only following his dreams as a winemaker, but receiving the Distinguished Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit (equivalent to a knighthood) in 2005 for his outstanding service to the New Zealand wine industry is thanks to a lot of hard work, bold moves and not compromising on quality.

From founding Villa Maria to current day operations, what is the most important thing you’ve learned about the wine business? 

Great wine starts with exceptional vineyards and exceptional people. The most important thing in the wine business are the people that work in it, starting with the grape growers, viticulturist, winemakers and then right through to all the other people behind the scene like operations, administration, marketing, sales and export. At Villa Maria we have managed to create a culture of excellence right throughout the business.

What’s in your cellar? 

I have a selection of Villa Maria group wines going back a number of years. I also have a selection of Family of Twelve wines from throughout New Zealand (Family of Twelve is a group of high-quality winemakers working together to promote New Zealand wines internationally). I also have a selection of other interesting New Zealand and imported wines.

What's your favourite wine that you’ve made? 

Over 50 vintages I have experienced many highlights, but the 2002 Villa Maria Reserve Hawkes Bay Cabernet Merlot stands out as one of the greatest and my favourite wine to drink. It received five stars and 97 points from Jancis Robinson in Gourmet Traveller Wine Australia.

Why did you choose to stay in New Zealand and start a winery?

I was born in New Zealand and associated a lot with the Croatian winemaking community, who were the founders of many great New Zealand wine companies in the pioneering days. New Zealand has a maritime climate that provides us with hot days, cold nights and a long, slow ripening period that intensifies the flavours of our grapes. Our sauvignon blanc is a great example of how we benefit from these climatic conditions. This also helps other varieties such as pinot noir that are quickly gaining widespread international popularity.

Villa Maria is known as New Zealand’s most-awarded winery. Is there one award that you most cherish?

What stands out most to me is the consistency of our results. This vintage will mark the 33^rd year that we have led the New Zealand industry both domestically and internationally in winner trophies and awards.