About Čuvar

Founded by Sir George Fistonich, Čuvar Winery represents a new chapter in a family winemaking story that began in 1949. Grounded in proud Croatian heritage and shaped by decades of experience, Čuvar is focused on crafting contemporary classic wines that speak clearly of Hawke’s Bay and its exceptional vineyards.

Čuvar means “guardian” in Croatian. The name honours the pioneers who helped shape New Zealand’s wine story and reflects a commitment to protecting the land, respecting tradition and stewarding fine wine for future generations.

At Čuvar, we believe great wine begins in the vineyard. We work with remarkable Hawke’s Bay sites including Cornerstone Vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels, where free-draining soils, abundant sunshine and cooling influences create wines of purity, balance and structure. Rather than overworking the wines in the cellar, we allow vineyard and season to guide the final expression of each vintage.

Family Winemakers Since 1949.