Leadership award for wine industry stalwart

Fistonich, the founder and owner of Villa Maria Estate, was presented with the prestigious trans-Tasman honour at the annual Rabobank Leadership Award Dinner in Melbourne last night.

Announcing the award winners, Rabobank Australia & New Zealand Group managing director Thos Gieskes said Fistonich had spent five decades at the forefront of New Zealand's wine industry and had been an instrumental figure in the rise of New Zealand wines on the world stage.

"In a career spanning 50 years, George Fistonich has exemplified true leadership along with an extraordinary passion for the New Zealand wine industry – successfully leading not just his own business, but helping to pioneer and drive an entire industry and inspire and mentor those around him," says Gieskes.

"He has taken Villa Maria Estate from a 'one-man band' to its position today as a successful global brand, sold in more than 60 countries around the world.
"Along the way, he has been a leader and pioneer at the forefront of New Zealand's wine industry, helping to drive and develop not only New Zealanders' taste and appreciation for wine, but also the standing and reputation of New Zealand wine in the global market."

The son of Croatian migrants, had founded Villa Maria at just 21 years of age, in 1961, when New Zealand's wine industry was in its infancy, leasing five acres of land from his father in Mangere, Auckland and beginning with just one acre of vines.

"With the support of his wife Gail in his venture, George harvested his first grapes in 1962 and began making dry red and wine wines, sourcing additional grapes from the greater Auckland region.

"George's passion for winemaking and commitment to quality saw Villa Maria expand rapidly from the early 1970s to its position today where it employs more than 250 permanent staff, is a significant global exporter and has held the title of New Zealand's most awarded winery for more than 33 years."