Wine Region	Waipara Valley, New Zealand
Wine Maker	Matthew Donaldson & Lynette Hudson
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 separated from Pegasus Bay by a range of hills which protect from the cooling winds of the pacific. To the west lie the Southern Alps (Main Divide), from which the region's hot north 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 natural acidity.   Pegasus Bay Winery is an entirely family-owned and operated enterprise. Associate Professor Ivan Donaldson is a wine writer and wine judge. He oversees viticulture and wine styles. His wife Christine is business manager and a passionate opera lover and regularly organises operatic concerts on the property. Their eldest son Matthew and his wife Lynnette are the wine makers and regularly work vintage in the northern hemisphere with a focus on Burgundy and specifically Pinot Noir. Another son Edward is marketing manager, and as a trained chef, manages their winery restaurant along with his fiancée Belinda. The restaurant has been awarded New Zealand’s top casual dining restaurant by Cuisine magazine.   Pegasus Bay wines are made from 100% estate grown grapes. The vineyard site is on the property in the Waipara Valley of North Canterbury. It’s known for its micro-climate giving hot days through the growing season and cooling off significantly in the evening due to its proximity to the ocean. There is minimal handling of fruit during processing so the vineyard is able to clearly express itself through their wines. Pegasus Bay is a member of the Sustainable Viticulture Programme (SVP).
What the critics have to say!
Pegasus Bay has a policy of not entering in wine shows however they have received many accolades for their wines.    “Although there are challengers to the crown, few people would dispute the fact that Pegasus Bay is the leading producer of fine wine in the Canterbury region…” Bob Campbell MW – NZ wine