Auckland
Located in the North Island, Auckland is New Zealand's largest urban area stretching across 5,600KM2.
The city is home to 1.657 million residents, around one-third of the country’s population.
It was in Mangere, a rural enclave on Auckland’s south-west coastline, that George Fistonich leased five acres of land from his father in 1961 and planted an acre of vines. Harvesting grapes from this land, George made his first wine under the name Villa Maria in 1962.
Climate
Auckland has a temperate maritime climate, with warm, humid summers and mild, damp winters. The city is the warmest main centre of New Zealand and one of the sunniest, with 2,003 sunshine hours per year. The region's average annual rainfall is 1243 mm.
Grape Varieties
The Vineyard Park at Villa Maria Estate has volcanic soils, rich in physical and mineral complexity and is planted with Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay and Verdelho.
Experience our world
Relax in our picturesque vineyard setting, taste award-winning wines and enjoy exceptional cuisine
