Overview

Waipara's top vineyard, family-owned Pegasus Bay produces an impressive array of high-quality wines. Co-owner Ivan Donaldson, an international wine judge and writer, and in his spare time a professor of neurology, is the "Mr Wine" of Canterbury. There are three vineyards to visit, in the Waipara region. The restaurant food is great and there are lovely gardens, a lake and a woodland area to wander around. Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot and dessert wines are all produced at this hillside vineyard, south of Waipara River. The 1996 Pinot Noir, 1997 Chardonnay and 1998 Riesling, in particular are first class.