The Waipara Valley is in North Canterbury, on the east coast of the South Island in Aotearoa, New Zealand and a scenic 45 minute drive north of Christchurch. Waipara has an ideal climate for grape growing, with high sunshine hours, hot dry summers and long autumns. To the west, lie the Southern Alps (Main Divide) from where the region’s notorious hot north-west winds derive. Waipara’s sheltered position and close proximity to the sea provide warm days, cool nights and a dry autumn, resulting in a very prolonged ripening period for the grapes. This promotes intense flavour development and optimal ripeness, while retaining good natural acidity.
Planted in 1985 the Pegasus Bay vineyard is largely un-grafted producing ultra-low yields of grapes per vine with loose bunches and small berries. Tucked up under the lee of the Teviotdale Range, the vineyard gets maximum protection from the Pacific’s easterly breezes, while heat summation during the day is promoted by the smooth stones and gravels left behind by an ancient river bed washed down from the Southern Alps. The soil is free draining and of low fertility, resulting in naturally reduced vine vigour. This produces optimally ripened, high quality, flavourful grapes, which fully express the qualities of this unique setting.