Pegasus Bay Winery and Restaurant

The basics

Pegasus Bay Winery is run by the Donaldson family, who were pioneers of the winemaking industry in the Canterbury region in the 1970s. The surrounding hills shield the vines from the winds of the Pacific Ocean, creating prime conditions for the growth of high-quality grapes. They use natural methods of pest and disease control as much as possible, and are committed to environmentally friendly, sustainable winemaking methods. The on-site restaurant serves locally sourced produce that’s carefully paired with the wine. The Donaldson family also have a special passion for opera, so the winery sometimes hosts opera and other classical music performances. The winery can be visited independently or on guided tours of several wineries in the Waipara region.

Things to know before you go

• Pegasus Bay exports its wines all over the world so wine enthusiasts can look up where to buy their wines after they return home.
• The restaurant offers lunch service only, not dinner.
• Reservations are recommended for the restaurant, especially at weekends, as it is very popular.

How to get there

Unless visiting on a guided tour from Christchurch, driving is the most convenient way of reaching Pegasus Bay Winery. It’s 34 miles (55 kilometers) north of Christchurch, which takes around 30 minutes to drive. On-site parking is available.

When to get there

The cellar door is open for wine tastings every day, from mid-morning until early evening. The restaurant is open from noon to late afternoon, and is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. The winery is closed for most of July for a winter break.

Cycle through the Waipara Valley

A fun and active way of touring the Waipara Valley and its many wineries is to cycle along an especially designed cycle trail. Begin at Glenmark Reserve and enjoy the mountain and rolling countryside views as you cycle between vineyards. This can be done independently or on a tour.