Pegasus Bay is one of New Zealand's most respected family-run wineries, in the Waipara Valley of North Canterbury. The Donaldson family have been involved in wine since the early 1970s, when neurologist Ivan Donaldson became interested after his girlfriend Christine gave him a wine book. He made wine in the garage at weekends between patients and wrote a newspaper wine column for more than 20 years.
By the mid-1980s Ivan and Chris were convinced Canterbury had a future in wine, and in 1985 they planted Pegasus Bay with the help of their four sons, who all now work in key roles. The vineyard, largely on its own roots, sits in the lee of the Teviotdale Range, sheltered from easterly Pacific breezes, and gives very low yields of small, loose bunches.
The family takes a long-term view of soil and vine health and supports the Greening Waipara Valley project. The tasting room is open Thursday to Monday.
- Founded
- 1985
Regions
Wines
- Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Dry Riesling — White
- Pegasus Bay Cabernet Franc — Red
- Pegasus Bay Chardonnay — White
- Pegasus Bay Chardonnay Main Divide — White
- Pegasus Bay Chardonnay Virtuoso — White
- Pegasus Bay Encore Noble Riesling — Dessert
- Pegasus Bay Merlot Cabernet — Red
- Pegasus Bay Pinot Gris Main Divide — White
- Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir — Red
- Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir Main Divide — Red
- Pegasus Bay Riesling Aria Late Picked — White
- Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Blanc Main Divide — White