Villa Maria

Brand Description

At Villa Maria, we are driven to create the very best from New Zealand and our wine is a unique expression of our land, our passion and our bold spirit, captured in a glass.

Grown sustainably in wind cooled valleys, between shifting mountains and crashing seas, and bottled in the crater of a volcano. Passionately crafted without compromise, we proudly share it with the world, to inspire, delight and to elevate the moment.

Location of Vineyard

Marlborough

New Zealand’s largest wine region is world-famous for its crisp, fruit-driven Sauvignon Blanc. Sheltered by high country to the west, south and parts of the east, and open to the Cook Strait in the north, Marlborough experiences bright, chilly winter months followed by long, dry summers.

An extensive glacial braided river system has deposited deep, free-draining soils across the various sub-regions, creating the perfect environment to successfully grow a wide range of grape varieties.

Hawkes Bay

The region is one of New Zealand’s oldest for grape growing and the second largest, with vineyards concentrated around the urban centers of Hastings and Napier.

Hawkes Bay offers myriad soil types and a long, dry growing season ideal for ripening a wide range of grape varietals. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the major grape varietals planted across the region.

Winemaking and Viticulture Philosophy

Passionately crafted without compromise, our wines are made to proudly share with the world, to inspire, delight and to elevate the moment.
The journey began 1961, when George Fistonich started with just an acre of vines in Auckland. Now an icon of the New Zealand wine industry, Villa Maria is known for bold and industry-changing moves with an emphasis on sustainable practices in every area.

Our wines are a reflection of the unique sites and regions they are grown. With lower cropped yields and parcels kept separate, all wines are made with care and attention without compromising on quality. From our drink now fruit-driven styles, to high high-end single vineyard icons, our vast range of wines suit any occasion.

Seddon Vineyard
Marlborough Winery
Marlborough & Seddon Sunset
Marlborough Bankhouse Vineyard
Marlborough Black Birch Sunrise

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Winery Profile
Founded: 1961
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Acclaim
Like the first bite of a juicy, fuzz-covered peach on a mid-summer’s day, the grass and wild herbs between your bare toes, a bowl of passionfruit and sorbet beside you, this tangy, ultra-fresh, slightly slippery little number is a likable drop, particularly in the warmer months. (Best Buy) — acclaim for 2024 Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc from Wine Enthusiast, May 2025
Appealing notes of passionfruit, citrus, fresh fennel fronds and snap peas flow from nose to palate. A softly pithy texture is lifted by a rush of vibrant, mouthwatering acidity, finishing on a dried herbal note. There’s enough stuffing here to make this a winner with spring and summer dishes. — acclaim for 2024 Villa Maria EarthGarden Sauvignon Blanc from Wine Enthusiast, May 2025
The 2022 Chardonnay Keltern is Villa Maria's flagship from Hawke's Bay. The clarity and finesse of the juice shows delicate handling. Its laser-bright acidity, which is somewhat more elevated than normal due to earlier picking, creates a linearity on the finish. This perhaps does not have as much flavor richness as in previous years. But there are still those typical characteristics of nectarine, toasted nuts, smoky bacon and pastry that indicate oh-so-good barrel-fermented Chardonnay. It fades a little quicker than we've come to expect from Keltern. Still, I wouldn't argue if you served this to me. — acclaim for 2022 Villa Maria Single Vineyard Keltern Chardonnay from Vinous, Mar 2025
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