New Zealand's Most Awarded Winery!
New Zealand Wine Producer of the Year - International Wine & Spirit Competition UK 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009
Top 50, World's Most Admired Brands - Drinks International Magazine 2016, 2015, 2012
Top 50, World's Great Wine Producers - Wine Spectator Magazine 2004
"From a one-man band to a global brand in just 50 years. In 1961, at just 21 years of age, 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 under the name Villa Maria. Throughout the 1960s Villa Maria was 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 regions. In the early 1970s he started to employ staff and the company began to expand rapidly. Today, Villa Maria employs more than 250 permanent staff and exports wine to over 50 countries worldwide." - Villa Maria
