Honouring the Women Behind Čuvar
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who have shaped our story—those whose passion, resilience, and vision have defined the legacy of Čuvar.
It all began with Mandica Fistonich. After migrating from Dalmatia, Croatia, she and her husband, Andrija, purchased five acres of land near Mangere Mountain—then a rural part of Auckland. In 1940, they planted their first vines. While Andrija worked labouring jobs, Mandica nurtured the vineyard, assisted in making the wine, and sold it to the local community. She was at the heart of it all, laying the foundation for a family legacy that continues today.
That same spirit of dedication lives on through Mandica’s granddaughter Karen Fistonich, director of Čuvar. Karen has an unwavering belief in the strength of family and heritage, has spent her life immersed in wine and has helped to promote New Zealand wine on the world stage. Karen is one of the many women who have shaped the industry with their collective leadership and expertise. Karen’s influence extends beyond the winery—she’s a member of the NZ Global Woman Network, who advocate for women in leadership.
Once Mandica’s second son George leased the vineyard from his parents and started Villa Maria, his wife Gail worked with him, helping with the myriad of tasks needing to be done. Gail balanced the needs of a young family with looking after customers, helping in the vineyard, and doing the invoicing, while George was in the winery or on the road. Gail was a brand ambassador for the business for many years, travelling with Sir George as they spread the NZ wine story abroad, and at home many a wine industry friend or visitor experienced the Fistonich hospitality.
