A name synonymous with leadership in wine, Sir George Fistonich has a history of success but has always operated with an eye on the future.
Sir George founded Čuvar Winery to help preserve the essence of what makes New Zealand fine wine so special, while nurturing an industry culture that is progressive, regenerative and diverse.
It is apt that Čuvar means guardian in Croatian.
Sir George’s story
George Fistonich was just 21 when he decided carpentry wasn’t his future and instead began to lease one hectare of family vineyard in Mangere in 1961, making wines under the name Villa Maria. What started with five acres of leased land, became a globally recognised brand, with accolades and distinctions, industry awards and a Knighthood for services to New Zealand wine and hospitality industries.
Significantly, Sir George has ensured others can benefit from the foundations he’s built, giving back through cadetships, mentoring, and now, establishing Čuvar as an innovative hub of wine excellence.
A toast to the past
Čuvar pays homage to the Croatian wine pioneers and many others, who played an important part in shaping what New Zealand’s wine story is today. Our name, Čuvar, (pronounced chu-var) translates to guardian in Croatian and acknowledges those early guardians who worked so hard to create the New Zealand wine industry.
Sir George’s identity as part of an immigrant family contributed to his own spirit of determination, tenacity and good humour. The principles that drove him to push boundaries then – hard work, high standards, foresight and progress – are the values he continues to instil through leadership within the next generation of winemakers and hospitality leaders.
Design by Helen Milner
The Čuvar Iris
The iris, Croatia’s national flower, is a symbol that captures the values of Čuvar’s founding ethos: hope, wisdom, trust and valour.
The heart of the iris flower, depicted in our logo, reflects our commitment to circular principles – the guardianship of people, planet and holistic prosperity.
A wine for togetherness
Inspired by traditional Croatian tattoos, commonly used as protection and as a symbol of community, our Guardians collection also features our bespoke Čuvar tattoos. Connected to the ‘Kolo’, an ancient village dance, these tattoos celebrate the circle of life and the strength and joy of being together.
Ours are inspired by New Zealand native plants, and are a nod to our commitment to collective kaitiakitanga.
THE TEAM
We’ve gathered a team who believe that boundaries are there to be pushed. We’re united in our love of New Zealand fine wine, but also in our goal of making it even better.
The Land
We carefully choose vineyards where we know nature can do its best work, then we trust the seasons to shape the unique distinction of each vintage.