144 | Fistonich Family Vineyards Top chardonnay honours rich heritage Sir George Fistonic was named an Honorary Life Member of the Hawke’s Bay Wine Association in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the region’s grape-growing and winemaking industry. BUSINESS T T Kim Newth Cuvar Winery may be a new name in New Zealand wine, but it embodies a long legacy of passion, experience, innovation and care for the land. Established in late 2023, Čuvar is rapidly gaining respect as a five-star producer of fine wine, driven by a vision to craft exceptional varietals that honour tradition and uphold excellence. Launched by Fistonich Family Vineyards, Čuvar Winery in Hawke’s Bay serves as an innovative hub of wine excellence and honours the Croatian wine families and other industry pioneers who helped build the New Zealand wine industry in its early years. The winery showcases Hawke’s Bay’s diversity of terroir that, coupled with a long growing season, results in exceptional fruit and a spectrum of varieties. Last April, Sir George Fistonich’s daughter, Karen Fistonich, took up the role of executive director at Fistonich Family Vineyards and is proud to be continuing her father’s legacy. And for the team at Čuvar, there has certainly been plenty to celebrate over the past year. The Fistonich family and their winery team achieved stunning success at the 2024 Bayley’s Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards, with the Čuvar Guardians Chardonnay 2021 winning trophies for Best Chardonnay and Best Single Vineyard Wine as well as taking out Champion Wine of the Show. Crafted from premium fruit grown on the Rivermere Vineyard along the Ngaruroro River, the Čuvar Guardians Chardonnay 2021 showcases the very best of Hawke’s Bay’s 2021 vintage. “It is fabulous to have this endorsement that rewards a lot of hard effort,” says Karen. “This wine has aged so well and is definitely realising its full potential.” Another milestone achievement came last year when Sir George was named an Honorary Life Member of the Hawke’s Bay Wine Association in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the region’s grape-growing and winemaking industry. “From the start, he identified Hawke’s Bay’s potential as a great wine growing region and bought Vidal Winery there in 1976,” says Karen. “Throughout his years of owning Vidals, Esk Valley, Villa Maria and Te Awa Winery, his focus on quality was unwavering. He developed a lot of talent in the region and employed various top winemakers like Kate Radburnd, Nick Picone, Hugh Crichton, Simon Fell and many others, including current winemaker Michelle Richardson. “He’s still very passionate about investing in Hawke’s Bay to make great wine and was so excited by that recognition from the Hawke’s Bay Wine Association. “To get such early results for the new business too with our Guardians Chardonnay once again highlights his ability to put together a great team.” Other highlights include favourable coverage from Decanter (Čuvar Guardians Collection Cornerstone Vineyard Rosé 2023) and Gold awards at the 2024 New Zealand International Wine Awards (Čuvar Guardians Chardonnay 2021, Čuvar Guardians Pinot Noir 2023 and Čuvar Iris Pinot Noir 2023). “Our pinot noir has also been selected by Air New Zealand to be served in their premier cabins this year.” While Čuvar Winery started small, it is already exporting to Japan and Singapore, and exploring other markets too. Meanwhile, the Čuvar team is busy preparing for the coming harvest season. “It’s still early days, but so far it’s shaping up to be a very promising vintage.” HAWKE'S BAY'S MOST TRUSTED ELECTRICIANS Pleased to be supporting Fistonich Family Vineyards SUPPORTING
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