23 Jan 2010

NZ winemaker signs US deal

7:40 am on 23 January 2010

Winemaker Villa Maria has signed an exclusive deal with a US premium wine importer.

The company's founder, Sir George Fistonich, says the deal is worth about $100 million over five years.

He says Villa Maria has been exporting to the US for 13 years but it has been difficult to crack the high end of the wine market there.

This deal will help the company reach top wine shops and restaurants, he said.