Stories and Latest Releases
Complimentary end of year tastings!
Is anyone feeling a tad frazzled as we hurtle towards the end of 2025, juggling daily chores with work deadlines, Christmas shopping, the odd bit of exercise and a healthy dose of social frivolity?
This year has had a relentless pull, but now it’s time to do you! Our end of year exclusive wine club tastings are the perfect way to forget the pressures and focus on the pleasures.
Same as last year, we’re asking you to RSVP to reserve a spot, and please be aware that spaces are limited.
Please email marketing@pegasusbay.com with your preferred location and the names of those attending.
* WELLINGTON
Monday 24th November 5.00pm-7.00pm
The Boatshed
Taranaki Street Wharf
Wellington Waterfront
* AUCKLAND
Tuesday 25th November 5.00-7.00pm
Boulevard Room
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
21 Viaduct Harbour Avenue
* CHRISTCHURCH
Thursday 11th December 5.00-7.00 pm
Conway Room
Te Pae Convention Centre
188 Oxford Terrace
Central City, Christchurch
All orders placed on the night for each city will go into 2 draws for a chance to WIN:
1st Draw Magnum
Pegasus Bay Prima Donna Pinot Noir
2nd Draw Magnum
Pegasus Bay Virtuoso Chardonnay
Lubricate your loved ones in the UK
Be sure your UK based friends and family imbibe in style over the festive season. Simply contact Must Wines, who stock a range of our wines, and they will deliver direct to their door.
Worldly Wishes
From the beginning, our Pegasus Bay mantra has been simple. Make wines we’re proud of, showcasing our unique terroir and region. And from the outset, our ambitions have been equally clear. To become an internationally respected wine brand, with a strong export play.
Fast forward 40 years, we now proudly boast distribution in 35 different countries, the most recent additions being South Korea and Greece.
Our aspiration is to have Pegasus Bay wines represented wherever fine wine culture exists, and the man on a mission to make this a reality is family member Ed Donaldson. Ed has been Sales and Marketing manager since our first vintage in 1991 and is a tireless ambassador of the brand. He’s played a pivotal role in the success of the business outside of New Zealand, and is frequently found in-country, spreading the good Peg Bay word.
Pegasus Bay overseas markets
Domestic Desires
While enhancing our reputation abroad is a key metric, our strategy has always been two-pronged. A strong export arm, supported by solid business sales within New Zealand. We look after our local Christchurch trade sales directly, however around the rest of the country we’re represented by the good folk at Eurovintage. They have rep’s based throughout the nation who deal with restaurants, bars, liquor stores, grocery and all other licenced venues. They’ve been flying the Peg Bay flag for over 30 years, and our on-premise and retail success domestically is intrinsically linked to their organisation. We’re proud to have such a long-standing relationship with Eurovintage and are hugely appreciative of their efforts over the years to grow our brands nationwide.
Four Seasons
Vivaldi’s timeless classic showcases a dramatic shift in energy, tension and emotion throughout its four movements, and the seasons at Pegasus Bay are equally dynamic and suspenseful. We’re blessed with distinctly contrasting periods throughout the year that define our region and play out in our wines. We decided to capture this through photo and film, with the aid of expert videographer Jason Larraman (Man In your Head Productions).
The results are spectacular, and some of you may already have followed the Summer, Autumn and Winter series on social media. It portrays the strikingly different phases of our mesoclimate and acts as a stark reminder that we are always at the mercy of mother nature, who can be playful and kind, as well as harsh and unforgiving. Keep an eye out for the final Spring edition on social media!
Vine Run takes a Pause
Back in 2018, the Donaldson Family wanted to find a way to help raise much needed funds for the NZ Brain Research Institute, an organisation fostered by Pegasus Bay founder Ivan Donaldson, during his neurological career. That heralded the start of Vine Run. After 8 successful years and almost $200k in fundraising, we’re taking a pause in 2026, while we consider its future direction. We’re delighted to have built such an iconic event, one that has not only assisted a worthy cause, but also delivered a wealth of smiles and happy faces along the way.
Mini Deli & Cellar Door
Family, friend or colleague you’d love to pamper this Christmas? Why not visit our award-winning gardens then unwind together with a selection of artisan deli nibbles and favourite wines. Or surprise them with a gift voucher purchasable on our website, that can be redeemed at the Deli, Cellar Door, or on-line shop, pegasusbay.com/vouchers.
Pegasus Bay Mini Deli
Summer Hours
Thursday to Monday
10.30am - 4.30pm
No bookings. Max group size 10.
See website for opening hours over the festive season.
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Pegasus Bay Cellar Door
Thursday to Monday
10.00am - 5.00pm
Max group size 10. Bookings advised between 5-10 people
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
The Prescription Pad
It is late spring and your vineyard looks perfect with its bright, shiny new green leaves and its tiny grape flowers (inflorescences) about to open. You sit outside in the balmy evening toasting your success at having escaped the spiteful hand of Jack Frost for yet another year and, while you are about it, you also ask the gods to send you a warm summer and long dry autumn. You have a peaceful sleep through the warm calm night and arise refreshed, looking forward to the new day’s challenges in the vineyard, but a nasty shock awaits you. Your leaves have gone. Someone or something has stolen them during the night! Closer inspection reveals that the thieves have left you something to remember them by, a few skeletons, leaf skeletons that are composed of the veins or ribs of the leaves. Who or what were they? If you search along the rows, you will find a clue. Suspended in a gossamer thin web, surrounded by sparkling droplets of dew, lies the lifeless body of a robber that did not manage to get away. It was caught in the act before being sucked dry. It is a little beetle, a bronze beetle, also known as a night beetle. And that is how it happens, literally overnight, typically when it’s warm and calm these greedy little fellows can wreak havoc to a fair plot of grape vines.
Costelytra zealandica, commonly known as the grass grub is the culprit. Like many criminals it has a number of aliases. Not only is it indigenous to New Zealand but we are “lucky” enough to be the only country in the world to claim it as a citizen. It lives as a pale clear grub underground, happily munching on the roots of plants, such as grass and other forms of pasture. When it has gorged itself and grown so that it is 15 – 25mm in length the grass grub pupates. It emerges one warm spring evening disguised as a small, bronze coloured, flying beetle and takes off on a raiding party with some of its small-minded mates. Their intention is to have a wild party, featuring sex, food and rock ‘n roll, before collapsing in a mortified heap but not before laying their grubby little eggs in the soil. Before long the eggs hatch to start the viciously voracious cycle once again.
Our vineyard was first gang raped by these pack animals one night over 35 years ago and we were left mystified and in shock. We were uncertain what to do so we did nothing. Gradually the vines recovered and grew new leaves. These remained intact because such debauchery extracts a toll and before long these bugs are “buggered”, so that their life is very short. Unfortunately, they are also partial to the inflorescences, which do not recover and hence our crop of grapes was reduced. Nonetheless, we had a good vintage and made some pretty decent wine.
Since then, we have learned to live in reasonable harmony with our wild natives. Their numbers have been reduced by having flowers and similar plants in our vineyard, which are too sophisticated for their rough tastes, and, although the amount of damage fluctuates from year to year it is now seldom major. The one thing that we have never done is to succumb to the temptation of spraying pesticides, which also kill innocent bystanders and good insects, such as ladybirds, butterflies, bees etc. Mother Nature has a natural balance in all things, and we believe in working with her whenever possible.
Cheers,
All bottles 750ml unless otherwise stated
SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024
Whole bunch fermented and aged on skins for around 200 days, this wine has a dialled-up structure with increased phenolics that add complexity and focus. A serious Sauvignon Blanc not made in a typical Marlborough style.
19/20 A soulful Sauvignon Blanc with impeccable structure, liveliness and complexity.
Candice Chow, CandiceWineChat.com, NZ
93/100 Pure and powerful wine with a distinctive, individual and recognisable personality.
Bob Campbell MW, therealreview.com, AUS
RIESLING 2025 - New Release
Off-dry and fermented at low temperatures to retain zesty aromas and flavours. Bottled with a little naturally dissolved CO2 to give a hint of spritzig and tangy freshness. This latest vintage is hot off the press and perfectly showcases our house style. We don’t have any reviews yet, so here are some highlights from the tasting note to get you revved up:
The opulent mouthfeel is packed with bright flavours and youthful energy. Unobtrusive sweetness is balanced by invigorating acidity, adding precision and a delightful tension on the long, moreish close.
RIESLING 2023
1.5L Magnum
Attractively scented and finely poised …. lovely vibrancy, depth and harmony.
Michael Cooper, Wine Writer, NZ
GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2025 - New Release
This season’s cooler autumn allowed us to harvest the fruit with a portion of noble botrytis, resulting in a wine that is rich and unctuous, with intense varietal character.
A luscious and vibrant expression of Gewürztraminer, celebrating this aromatic varietal.
Gavin Hubble, grape-to-glass.com, NZ
94/100 A totally delicious wine with a fragrant and increasingly intense bouquet.
Cameron Douglas MS, camdouglasms.com, NZ
MUSCAT 2020 - New Release
We have a tiny plot of muscat à petits grains, a variety that is used in Alsace and the Rhône Valley. Made in an off-dry style with intense varietal character, this latest addition comes from the stella season of 2020 and is endowed with both panache and elegance. It’s not available for general release hence no wine reviews, so here are some teasers from the tasting note:
Full-bodied on the palate with fruit, alcohol and ripe phenolics all contributing to mouthfeel and flair. Its off dry style is beautifully balanced by crisp acidity, an elegant structure, and a bittersweet touch on the close.
CHARDONNAY 2022
750ml & 1.5L Magnum - New Release
Made from ultra-low cropping Mendoza clone, this concentrated Chardonnay has power and intensity. Following traditional Burgundian techniques, the juice was fermented with natural yeasts in French puncheons and aged on lees for 12 months.
94/100 A good example of a consistently high-quality Chardonnay.
Bob Campbell MW, therealreview.com, AUS
Excellent to Outstanding Power matched by brightness … a lovely each way bet to enjoy now or tuck in the cellar.
Mark Henderson, Otago Daily Times, NZ
PINOT NOIR 2023 - New Release
Following traditional Burgundian techniques, wild ferment then aged in oak for 15 months. This latest edition merges both freshness and a sense of purity and reflects our commitment to making Pinot Noir that effortlessly expresses the variety as well as our unique terroir.
Fragrant, rich, savoury and supple. Already delicious.
Michael Cooper, Wine Writer, NZ
18.5+/20 A welcoming, gentle yet bright expression compared to its past vintages.
Candice Chow, CandiceWineChat.com, NZ
PINOT NOIR 2021
1.5L Magnum
95/100 Superbly complex and enticing with dark berry, hazelnut, toasted spice and rich floral aromas
Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz
MERLOT CABERNET 2023 - New Release
Aged in oak for 18 months, the finished product is made up of predominately Merlot, with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and a small amount of Cabernet Franc. The long ripening season of 2023 has resulted in a wine that offers succulent fruit intensity, while retaining poise and a delicious sense of brightness.
94/100 Excellent tannin and acid line surround the core fruit flavours. There are many natural synergies between the fruit and wine maker’s touch.
Cameron Douglas MS, camdouglasms.com, NZ
A textural landing of mixed berry fruits, along with cherry-chocolate nuances.
Gavin Hubble, grape-to-glass.com, NZ
MERLOT CABERNET 2020
1.5L Magnum
18.5/20 Add great winemaking into the mix and here is an exceptional value red that drinks beautifully now and can age further.
Joelle Thomson, drinksbiz.co.nz
CABERNET FRANC 2022 - New Release
We only have a small patch of Cabernet Franc and its normally all used up in our Merlot Cabernet blend. This year, however, due to the cooler growing season, we opted not to make a Bordeaux red as it was difficult to ripen all the components fully. The Cabernet Franc, however, did reach full maturity and the fruit was in excellent condition, so we took the opportunity to make it as a single varietal. Stocks are limited, and it’s not available for general release so no reviews, but here are some seductive snippets from the tasting note:
The richly scented nose has impressions of red berries, interlaced with wood spice, cinnamon, violet and earthy hints of herbs. In the mouth there is a sense of brightness and vitality, with succulent fruit intensity supported by fine grained tannins and a core of zippy acidity, adding elegance and structure on the long, flavoursome close.
VERGENCE WHITE Mk 3
Vergence is our non-traditional label where we enjoy pushing the boundaries of conventional winemaking. As with our MK1 and MK2, the core of the White MK3 is barrel aged old vine Semillon that gives body and palate weight, blended with a selection of aromatics. Once again this is a multi-vintage wine to realise its full potential.
Fresh, distinctive, highly appealing … it’s not at all a traditional recipe, but it works!
Michael Cooper, Wine Writer, NZ
92/100 It’s really good … super aromatic and more rambunctious and forthright than the MK2.
Erin Larkin, robertparker.com, USA
Excellent Richness and viscosity that caresses the palate .... Incredibly moreish, undoubtedly complex.
Mark Henderson, Otago Daily Times, NZ
VERGENCE RED Mk 3
Our MK3 Red takes another radical departure from tradition. Emboldened by the surprise results of the MK2, we decided to trial blending Pinot Noir with a small portion of Malbec this time (approximately 5%). Clean and focused, with a bigger mouthfeel and tons of juicy fruit weight. Think Pinot Noir on steroids.
94/100 It’s robust and sturdy, yet beautifully framed by layers of fine tannins, making it harmonious and persistent.
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, wineorbit.co.nz
18.5+/20 Powdery smooth tannins carry spices and linger with dark earthy minerals.
Candice Chow, CandiceWineChat.com, NZ
All bottles 750ml unless otherwise stated
MINUETTO SAUVIGNON SEMILLON 2021
750ml & 1.5L Magnum
We selected the best parcels of fruit from this epic harvest to create our very first Sauvignon Semillon under its new reserve moniker. Made in the traditional style of a white Bordeaux, it contains approx. 60% tank fermented Sauvignon Blanc and 40% barrel fermented Semillon, the latter adding richness, texture and length.
Outstanding Simply brimming over with flavour, matched with a creamy texture, lovely mouthfeel and great length. Far from your typical SB.
Mark Henderson, Otago Daily Times, NZ
Ripely scented, it is mouthfilling, sweet-fruited and vigorous. A highly distinctive wine.
Michael Cooper, Wine Writer, NZ
BEL CANTO DRY RIESLING 2024 - New Release
This is the sister wine to Aria. Both made from late harvest grapes, however in the case of Bel Canto, we ferment to dryness, resulting in a wine that is richly textured, yet still possessing focus and drive.
95/100 A fragrant and delicious wine … complex and classic PB style.
Cameron Douglas MS, camdouglasms.com, NZ
Mouthfilling, it has rich yet delicate, very energetic flavours.
Michael Cooper, Wine Writer, NZ
BEL CANTO DRY RIESLING 2023 - New Release
1.5L Magnum
96/100 Superbly long on the finish with layers of delicious flavours.
Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz
VIRTUOSO CHARDONNAY 2021
This exceptional season has delivered one of our most remarkably harmonious Virtuoso’s. Sumptuous and textural, it is powerful and complex, while oozing with precision and finesse. A selection from the best barrels of Chardonnay, coming from some of the oldest plantings in the vineyard.
Outstanding Power and wonderful depth of flavour without ever feeling heavy … crackingly good.
Mark Henderson, Otago Daily Times, NZ
19+/20 A robust, flinty Chardonnay with outstanding balance, elegance and layers.
Candice Chow, CandiceWineChat.com, NZ
VIRTUOSO CHARDONNAY 2020
1.5L Magnum
96/100 Full-bodied with rich, toasty and tropical fruit, with an underlying smokiness … Muscular and compact.
James Suckling Wine Reviews, jamessuckling.com, USA
94/100 A tremendously powerful wine … the climax of Mozart’s Symphony 41, Jupiter, comes to mind.
Erin Larkin, robertparker.com, USA
PRIMA DONNA PINOT NOIR 2020
750ml & 1.5L Magnum
We only produce Prima Donna Pinot Noir in exceptional years, such as this one. It is a blend of the barrels we feel best reflect the vintage and our unique terroir. It mainly comes from our oldest, lowest cropping vines that are non-grafted.
19.5/20 An exceptional Pinot Noir, possessing elegance, power and complexity.
Candice Chow, CandiceWineChat.com, NZ
Five of the best NZ Pinot Noir Complex, multi-layered, with dark fruits and hints of Amaro and bittersweet herbs.
Max Allen, Wine Writer, maxallen.com.au
PRIMA DONNA PINOT NOIR 2015 - Aged Release
Richly textured and mouth filling, exhibiting intensity and power, melded with sophistication and focus, this latest aged Prima Donna has it all. Hailing from a low yielding, fantastic season, it is drinking superbly now but still has potential for further aging. Last chance!
98/100 Combining power with sophistication … the opulent palate is both graceful and structured with gorgeous complexity.
Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz
MAESTRO MERLOT CABERNET MALBEC 2020
750ml & 1.5L Magnum
Maestro is the heavyweight in our reds division, and as with Prima Donna, produced only in very special years. It’s a blend of the barrels of Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon that we feel best reflect the vintage and our terroir.
This is an outstanding full-bodied, complex blend and will reveal more depth and layers in years to come.
Joelle Thomson, drinksbiz.co.nz
95/100 Fabulous bouquet and palate with texture, weight, complexity and style. Poised for aging.
Cameron Douglas MS, camdouglasms.com, NZ
ARIA LATE HARVEST RIESLING 2025 - New Release
750ml & 1.5L Magnum
The bunches were left on the vines until late in the season then hand-selected with extra flavour nuances, that give a mouth filling lusciousness, like Auslese wines of Germany. As this wine has only just been released, we have no reviews yet, so here are some descriptors from the tasting note:
Beautiful florality wafts from the glass, with aromas of honeysuckle and elderflower, backed by impressions of marmalade, pineapple, ginger and lemon meringue pie.
ENCORE NOBLE RIESLING 2025 - New Release
375ml
Made in a similar way to Aria, however picked even later so that all the bunches have fully developed botrytis. Another very recent release with no reviews yet, so here are some descriptors from the tasting note:
Encore 2025 presents a delightfully fragranced nose, replete with lychee, apricot, honeyed pear and chocolate orange. On the generous and engaging palate your senses are fully occupied.
FINALE NOBLE SEMILLON SAUVIGNON 2024 - New Release
375ml
Finale is a barrel fermented sweet wine in the style of Sauternes. As with Encore, we hung the fruit out until the very end of the season and then chose only the most beautifully raisined bunches. The juice was left to ferment naturally in French oak barriques and matured for 12 months. In the absence of any reviews, once again here are some teasers from the tasting note:
Mouth filling, rich and sweetly seductive, balanced perfectly with a cheeky lash of refreshing acidity that adds structure and length on the delightfully long carry.
FORTISSIMO SWEET FORTIFIED MUSCAT 2023
375ml
This wine is made in the style of Muscat Beaumes de Venise. A small amount of neutral spirit is added to stop the fermentation and retain some of the late picked grape’s natural sugars. We have made only a tiny amount, and as with our previous editions, it is solely available through our cellar door and wine club.
On the hypnotic nose you have devilish aromas of grilled pineapple, peaches, honeysuckle and Turkish delight … every part of your palate will be happily engaged.
Gavin Hubble, grape-to-glass.com, NZ
SWANNDRI PEGASUS BAY VEST
This unisex, limited-edition vest will quickly become a go-to item in your wardrobe.
Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL
MONOPOLY ŌTAUTAHI CHRISTCHURCH EDITION
Pegasus Bay are proud to have been selected as the winery to represent
Canterbury in the Monopoly Ōtautahi Christchurch Edition board game.
