This well respected family winery was founded by neurologist Ivan Donaldson, with the first vines planted in the Waipara Valley in 1986. Ivan and Christine Donaldson, along with their three sons, are involved in all aspects of the winery's operation. The Pegasus Bay range is produced exclusively from estate-grown fruit, while the second tier Main Divide wines are made with a combination of fruit off the estate and from other Waipara growers. Within the Waipara Valley Pegasus Bay vineyard gets maximum protection from the Pacific’s easterly breezes by being tucked up under the lee of the Teviotdale Range. Heat summation during the day is promoted by smooth stones and gravels left behind by an ice age glacier. The soil is free draining and of low fertility, resulting in naturally reduced vine vigour. This produces low yields of optimally ripened, high quality, flavourful grapes, which fully express the qualities of this unique setting. An unusually large vineyard staff allows operations such as shoot thinning, crop thinning, bunch exposure and fruit selection to be carried out meticulously. Join us as we taste through this gorgeous line up!