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Villa Maria receives Bell Gully Trophy at Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2004
Villa Maria Estate's Single Vineyard Keltern Chardonnay 2003 has been named the Bell Gully Reserve Wine of the Show at this year's Air New Zealand Wine Awards, announced in Blenheim on Saturday night.
It was a good night for Villa Maria. The winery also took the top award, the Air New Zealand Champion Wine Of The Show Trophy, for its Reserve Pinot Noir 2003.
Villa Maria is one of New Zealand's leading winemakers. A family-owned New Zealand winery, it was founded in 1961 by its current owner and managing director, George Fistonich, and maintains vineyards in Gisborne, Hawke's Bay and Marlborough.
"The trophy recognises an exceptional wine, and it also pays tribute to George Fistonich's leadership at Villa Maria and his contribution to New Zealand winemaking over the years," said Bell Gully partner David McGregor.
"George has nurtured a team of exceptional young winemakers across the country. The strength of this team is shown by the winery picking up nine of the 20 awards this year, including the Champion Award."
About Bell Gully
Bell Gully is New Zealand's leading commercial law firm, with over 200 legal staff based in Auckland and Wellington.
Bell Gully has been a sponsor of the Air New Zealand Wine Awards for many years, and has a long-standing association with the New Zealand wine industry.
As well as working with winemakers around the country, the firm has advised the Wine Institute since its inception in 1974 and partner David McGregor is honorary solicitor to New Zealand Winegrowers, organisers of the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
