Pegasus Bay celebrates its 30th vintage (1991-2021)

Above: Entrance to the stunning Pegasus Bay Winery & Restaurant, North Canterbury.

In the 1970’s Ivan Donaldson and his wife, Christine, planted some of the first vines in Canterbury. Ivan was a consultant neurologist who started making wine as a hobby in the garage at their Christchurch home. At that point, they had no concept of the extent their family’s life would be immersed in wine.

10 years on, in 1986, Ivan and Chris purchased some land in the Waipara Valley of North Canterbury with a vision of creating what is now Pegasus Bay. All four sons ranging from 8-14 years of age were involved in planting the vineyard, which is now 35 years old. Today all the boys are involved in the business. Eldest Son Mat is the Winemaker, Mike is the Canterbury Sales Manager, Paul is the General Manager, Ed is the Marketing Manager, and his wife Belinda is the Events Manager. Ivan and Chris are still involved, with Ivan overseeing the vineyards and Chris evolving and maintaining the winery gardens.

“I always knew I would make wine one way or another but could never have predicted the extent of my family’s interest and the success they have enjoyed together. Their involvement has been vital and gives Chris and me a great deal of pride,” says Ivan Donaldson.

2021 marks Pegasus Bay’s 30th vintage, the first release being 1991 made in the same garage in Christchurch where it all began. Today Pegasus Bay is a globally recognised brand exported to more than 20 countries and a member of The Family of Twelve.