Pegasus Bay

Wine-making philosophy: Our aim is to grow grapes of the highest quality which fully express the features of the vineyard, and to handle these with the utmost respect. Natural methods and as little intervention as possible at all stages from vine to bottle typify our approach. We believe in sustainable viticultural management, organic techniques, low crop levels, minimal handling of fruit during processing, gentle pressing and slow fermentation. We allow wines to go through natural malolactic fermentation and clarify by settling. Our red wines are bottled without filtration. We aspire to capture the unique flavours of the vineyard in our wine.

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.

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