Our top ten New Zealanders: George Fistonich

George Fistonich

* George Fistonich, Winemaker

You might not know the name Fistonich, but you will know the name Villa Maria, one of New Zealand's foremost wine labels.

Fistonich is the man who in 1961 founded what has become the country's third-largest wine company. He, like his wines, has had a very good year. Actually, last year wasn't bad either.

Last month he scooped the New Zealand Wine Awards, winning eight of 19 trophies - all of his winners sealed with a screw cap. This typifies Fistonich, who is a risk-taker. Several years ago Villa Maria switched to screw caps from the traditional cork, Fistonich telling the Herald he was doing it to improve the quality of the wine because imperfect corks can dull or oxidise flavours.

Last year he was nominated by London's Wine magazine as Personality of the Year because of this pioneering decision. This year he opened his $30 million new winery in Mangere, a mammoth venture with a restaurant and lake and where he plans to hold concerts.

Fistonich, in his 60s, is described as "very cool, 100 per cent totally committed to wine". But he is not elitist. Villa Maria wines are not overpriced.

In October Villa Maria Estate became the New Zealand Wine Producer of the Year at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London.