Pegasus Bay Winery, Christchurch Overview

Pegasus winery is a pleasing family-owned and operated Vineyard located in Waipara, New Zealand. It is one of the largest wineries in Canterbury that uniquely practices viticulture. The Vineyard was established in 1985 by the Donaldson family, pioneers of the Canterbury wine industry. It is one of the best places in Canterbury to have boutique winery experiences and indulge in the beauty of nature.

The premise is a lovely location to visit. The vineyard also has a restaurant that serves some of the best seasonal cuisine made from the estate's fresh produce. In addition, the vineyard produces some of the finest blends of red and white wine in the country. The unique tastes are a bunch of various collections, including the Estate, Reserve, and Vergence collections. Wines produced under the label of Vergence are the superior ones with a very complex flavour.

Ownership

Ivaan Donaldson, who was a renowned neurologist was also a wine writer and wine judge, who saw viticulture in a very different manner. His wife planted a beautiful garden at Pegasus Bay to maintain the winery's extensive ground. Their eldest son Matthew is a winemaker and had also worked in many vintages, in other parts of the world. Whereas, his wife Di, also helps with the winery's logistics. Their other son, Edward, is a marketing manager of his family's wines and promotes his business across the globe. Whereas his wife, Belinda operates the vineyard's restaurant. Ivaan's youngest sons Paul and Michael are the general and sales manager of the vineyard. Pegasus Bay is entirely owned and operated by the Donaldson Family, since the 1970s.

Restaurant

The Pegasus Bay restaurant is a winery restaurant that serves one of the finest cuisines made out of fresh local and estate grown produce. Figs, olives, stone fruit, horseradish and Herbs are a few that are grown in the estate itself.
The menu is created around the wine list and each dish is matched with a suggested wine.
The restaurant serves the best dishes that are made with seasonal ingredients that give diners a variety.
The restaurant has a very warm atmosphere with beautiful ambience, perfect for fine dining experiences. The restaurant also hails an extensive outdoor area with beautifully grown gardens and tranquil views.
The place also has a natural amphitheatre and several lakes by side. It is a rich and unique experience to dine in this gorgeously established restaurant.

Best Time to Visit

Pegasus Bay is open on all days, but the restaurant remains closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. During winters i.e. from July-August, the restaurant remains closed. Therefore it is advised to avoid visiting Pegasus Bay during July and August.
Otherwise, Pegasus Bay can be visited year-round and is open for wine tasting all 7 days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is also recommended to avoid visiting Pegasus Bay during Christmas, as the restaurant remains closed at that time as well.

How To Reach Pegasus Bay Winery

Pegasus Bay winery is located in Waipara valley in South Island of New Zealand. It's very easy to get there, as its only an hour drive from Christchurch.
One can take a taxi or rent a car and drive to the Pegasus Bay.
There is no other public transportation available that would take you to the Vineyard.
Also if you are travelling from Waipara, the Vineyard is located at a very short distance of approximately 8 kilometres i.e. 6-7 minutes drive from Waipara.