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, has been heavily involved with Canterbury Opera for many years. She has also organsied a number of operatic concerts at the winery’s natural amphitheatre. A reserve range of wines have been dedicated to Christine’s passion for opera.

Their eldest son, Matthew, did an oenology degree and a postgraduate diploma in viticulture at Roseworthy College in Australia. He and his wife Lynnette Hudson, who graduated with distinction from Lincoln University with a postgraduate diploma in oenology and viticulture, are the winemakers. They have both worked many vintages in other parts of the world, with a particular focus on Burgundy.

Another son, Edward Donaldson, is marketing manager and, as a trained chef, supervises the Pegasus Bay Vineyard Restaurant.

The youngest son Paul Donaldson, who has an MBA, recently joined the business with a view to take over the reins as General Manager.

Pegasus Bay is an entirely family-owned and operated enterprise.