Čuvar Iris Pinot Gris 2026 named Hawkes Bay’s Top Pinot Gris
THE FISTONICH STORY
Family Winemakers Since 1949
Every family has a story. Ours has been more than seventy-five years in the making.
From Croatian immigrants making wine to share with family, friends and the local community, to helping shape the modern New Zealand wine industry, the Fistonich family’s story is one of courage, hard work and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Today, we proudly continue that story from Hawke’s Bay, crafting contemporary classic New Zealand wines to share now and for generations to come.
Our collections
We let nature take the lead. The character of our wines is shaped by site and season, with gentle coaxing from our winemakers into beautifully drinkable wines we’re proud to share.
about us
Our Vineyards
Great wine can only come from great vineyards. Karen Fistonich and her team use a blend of insight and intuition to pick the best grape growing sites to produce distinctive varieties for world-renowned wines.
DISCOVER OUR VINEYARDS
Our home
Although the Fistonich family has made wine across New Zealand for decades, Hawke’s Bay has long held a special place in the family’s story.
The family has owned its historic Bay View winery, formerly home to Esk Valley Winery, since the 1980s.
HAWKE'S BAY
Family Winemakers since 1949
1949
Mandica and Andria Fistonich obtain their first New Zealand liquor licence and begin selling wine, laying the foundations for generations of family winemaking.
Villa Maria Founded
1961
George establishes Villa Maria, beginning one of New Zealand's most influential and internationally recognised wine companies.
George's First Vintage
1962
After leasing five acres of vineyard from his parents, George Fistonich crafts his first commercial vintage, beginning a journey that would help shape New Zealand wine.
Rewarding Quality
1980s
George pioneers paying growers for grape quality rather than simply quantity, helping lift standards across the New Zealand wine industry.
Leading Sustainability
1990s
George becomes a founding member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ), helping establish one of the world's leading sustainability programmes and setting a benchmark for responsible winegrowing across New Zealand
100% Cork Free
2001
George’s winery Villa Mara, becomes the first major New Zealand winery to commit entirely to screwcaps, ensuring greater consistency and quality in every bottle.
Knighthood
2009
George is knighted for his services to the New Zealand wine industry, recognising decades of leadership, innovation and contribution to New Zealand wine.
A New Chapter
2021
Following the sale of Villa Maria, Sir George Fistonich launches Fistonich Family Vineyards, drawing on more than seven decades of family winemaking to begin an exciting new chapter focused on crafting exceptional New Zealand wines.
Čuvar: The Next Chapter
2023 - Current
Čuvar Winery is launched as a refined expression of Hawke's Bay, honouring the guardians of the New Zealand wine story.
Following the launch, Sir George's daughter, Karen Fistonich, takes the helm of Fistonich Family Vineyards, carrying forward a family winemaking legacy that began with Mandica and Andria in 1949. In 2025, acclaimed Senior Winemaker Dave Mackintosh joins the team, marking another exciting chapter in Čuvar's journey.
Latest News
Our very first Pinot Gris has taken out the Pinot Gris Trophy at the 2026 Hawke's Bay Wine Awards. It's a wine that comes from our Te Hau vineyard at Matapiro, an elevated inland site at Crownthorp...
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Top Syrah in New Zealand - Cuisine Magazine
We're incredibly proud to share that our Čuvar Guardians Syrah 2024 has been awarded 5 Stars by Cuisine Magazine and named the top Syrah in New Zealand. This recognition is particularly special bec...
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Čuvar unveils first Guardians Syrah from standout 2024 vintage
We’re proud to announce the release of our first Čuvar Guardians Syrah from the exceptional 2024 vintage, sourced from the Cornerstone Vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels, alongside the Čuvar Guardia...
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