Pegasus Bay

The Family

The Donaldson family have been seriously involved in wine since the early 1970’s and were pioneers of local grape growing and wine making. Associate Professor and Consultant Neurologist, Ivan Donaldson, is a wine writer and wine judge. He also oversees viticulture and wine styles. His wife, Christine, is business manager and as a passionate opera lover, organises annual operatic concerts in Pegasus Bay’s natural amphitheatre. Their eldest son, Matthew, did an oenology degree and a postgraduate diploma in viticulture at Roseworthy College in Australia. He and his partner Lynnette Hudson, who graduated with distinction from Lincoln University with a postgraduate diploma in oenology and viticulture, are the winemakers. Matthew supervises the reds and Lynnette oversees the whites. Another son, Edward Donaldson, is marketing manager and, as a trained chef, supervises the Pegasus Bay Vineyard restaurant. Pegasus Bay is an entirely family-owned and operated enterprise.

Region

The Waipara Valley is in the south island of New Zealand, 30 minutes drive north of Christchurch. Its latitude equates to that of the south of France in the northern hemisphere. To the east we are separated from Pegasus Bay by a range of hills which protect it from the cooling winds of the pacific. To the west lie the Southern Alps (Main Divide), from whence the region’s hot nor’west winds derive. Its sheltered position, but proximity to the sea, give it warm days, cool nights and a dry autumn, resulting in a very prolonged ripening period. This promotes intense flavour development and optimal ripeness, while retaining good.