MAIN DIVIDE

Our name and logo reflect our location and our unique, regionally distinct wines. Main Divide is the local name for the mighty range of Southern Alps which form the backbone of Te Wai Pounamu (the South Island of New Zealand). Our aim is to produce wines which reflect the unspoilt freshness, purity, vigour and cool climate of the south, while retaining in each its individual regional and varietal character. A handful of selected South Island vineyards have been chosen because of their unique situations or terroir and the quality of their grapes.

Our intention is to work with the growers of these vineyards throughout the season to obtain quality fruit, all of which is then hand-crafted into wine by the Donaldson Family at their Waipara winery. Main Divide's philosophy is based on individuality and harmony. We wish to produce distinctive, vibrant wines with lively fruit flavours, which at the same time are integrated and harmonious.

Matthew Donaldson

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 and has recently been awarded an Order of Merit for his contribution to Neurology. He also oversees viticulture and wine styles while his wife Christine directs most of her energy on maintaining the winery’s extensive grounds. She is also a lover of opera and the arts and has been heavily involved in the local Opera scene for many years. Christine has organised a number of concerts at the winery’s natural amphitheatre and a reserve range of wines have been dedicated to Christine’s passion for opera. Their eldest son, Matthew is winemaker and graduated with an oenology degree and a postgraduate diploma in viticulture at Roseworthy College in Australia. He has worked many vintages in other parts of the world, with a particular focus on Burgundy. 2012 marked Matthew’s 20th vintage at Pegasus Bay.