The Vidal Story

Vidal Wines gained its name from its founder, Anthony Joseph Vidal.

He was 22 years old when he arrived in New Zealand from Spain in 1888. His first eleven years where spent in Wanganui, working for his uncle, pioneer winemaker Joseph Soler.

He then moved to Hawkes Bay where in 1905 he purchased a small property in Hastings. Once the stables that occupied the site were converted into a cellar, Anthony set about planting some grapevines. Thereafter, success led to expansion with further vineyard plantings in Te Awanga and then Te Mata.

After his death, control of the winery passed to his three sons. The Vidal family made a decision to sell in the early 1970's and for a while the winery experienced some instability. This changed in 1976 when George Fistonich bought the winery and began to steadily restore the Vidal reputation as a quality wine producer.

In 1979, George Fistonich opened Vidal Restaurant, the first winery restaurant in New Zealand. This restaurant has been a great success for the past 30 years.