History of Pegasus Bay Estate
Pegasus Bay was founded in the late 1970s by Ivan Donaldson, a neurologist with a deep passion for wine. After traveling through Europe and exploring its winemaking regions, Ivan recognized the potential of New Zealand’s Waipara Valley for viticulture. In 1976, he planted some of the region’s first modern vineyards. The Donaldson family, including Ivan's wife Christine, quickly turned their vision into reality, and by 1985, Pegasus Bay had become a key player in the Canterbury wine scene.
The Donaldson’s four sons have since taken on significant roles in the business. Matthew Donaldson is the chief winemaker, bringing decades of experience and dedication to crafting exceptional wines. Edward Donaldson handles marketing and communications, while Paul Donaldson manages the estate's vineyard operations. Michael Donaldson heads the estate’s restaurant, making Pegasus Bay a complete family-run operation.
Over the years, Pegasus Bay has gained recognition for its minimal intervention approach in both the vineyard and the winery. Their philosophy is centered on allowing the natural environment to express itself through the wines, with a focus on sustainable viticulture and low-intervention winemaking techniques. As a result, Pegasus Bay has consistently produced wines that reflect the distinctive characteristics of the Waipara Valley.
Region and Vineyards
Pegasus Bay is located in the Waipara Valley, North Canterbury, on north-facing terraces that benefit from the Teviotdale Range, which shelters the vines from the cool coastal winds of the Pacific. This protection creates a unique mesoclimate, ideal for the cultivation of high-quality grapes. The region’s free-draining gravel soils, combined with the valley’s warm summers and cool nights, provide perfect conditions for Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay.
The low-fertility soils of the valley naturally limit vine vigor, resulting in low yields and more concentrated fruit. The cool nights help retain acidity, while the extended growing season enhances the development of complex flavors in the grapes. Pegasus Bay's vineyards are home to some of the oldest vines in the region, many planted franc de pied, or on their own roots, further contributing to the wine’s intensity and depth.
The winery emphasizes low yields and hands-off vineyard management, allowing the natural environment to shape the wine’s characteristics. The long ripening season allows the fruit to develop a rich texture, vibrant acidity, and complex aromatics, producing wines of exceptional balance and finesse.
Wine Range
Pegasus Bay offers a broad range of wines, from approachable estate wines to premium reserve selections, known for their richness, complexity, and aging potential. Their portfolio includes:
- Estate Wines: These are classic representations of the Waipara Valley terroir, with vibrant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling varieties leading the way.
- Reserve Range: Including exceptional wines like the Prima Donna Pinot Noir and Virtuoso Chardonnay, these are crafted from the best parcels of fruit and represent the finest expressions of the vineyard. Only made in select vintages, these wines demonstrate the estate’s commitment to quality.
- Riesling: Pegasus Bay is particularly well-known for its dry and off-dry Rieslings, which are marked by their vibrant acidity, ripe fruit, and ability to age gracefully for many years.
Did You Know?
Christine Donaldson, Ivan’s wife and co-founder of Pegasus Bay, has a deep love for opera. This passion is reflected in the winery’s Reserve Range, where wines such as Prima Donna and Virtuoso are named after operatic terms. In addition to their winery, Pegasus Bay boasts a natural amphitheatre on the property, where the family hosts outdoor concerts and events, bringing together their passions for wine and music.
