2025 Main Divide Pinot Gris, Waipara

A complete wine - aromas and flavours of ripe apples and pears, there’s a fine layer of spice with a gentle pepper quality then honeysuckle. A touch of lime-flower and quince adds intrigue and length. The acidity forms the backbone of texture on the palate with a buzz to the freshness. Well made and quite delicious with best drinking from 2026 through 2029.

92 points Cam Douglas MS

Main Divide is the younger, more immediately approachable sibling to Pegasus Bay, created by the Donaldson family, one of the pioneers of the Waipara Valley wine scene. Ivan Donaldson planted Pegasus Bay in the 1980s, and the family remains deeply involved today, with the next generation carrying the winemaking forward. Main Divide draws fruit from selected North Canterbury vineyards while keeping that same family focus on regional character and food friendly wines.

Waipara sits in the rain shadow of the Southern Alps, with warm days, cool nights and long, dry autumns helping Pinot Gris develop flavour while retaining freshness. The 2025 leans towards the richer, more aromatic side of the variety rather than being a Pinot Grigio lookalike, with ripe orchard fruit, gentle spice and a softly textured middle.

Pale straw gold with ripe pear, white peach and yellow apple followed by honeysuckle and a touch of quince. Ginger and subtle spice add interest, with fresh almond sitting quietly underneath. The palate is juicy and gently rounded, with pear and stone fruit balanced by fresh acidity. Quince, citrus peel and ginger linger through a soft, savoury finish.

Prawn and ginger dumplings are right in its territory, while Thai fish cakes, coconut poached snapper, crispy tofu with sesame or Vietnamese chicken salad all play nicely with its fruit and spice. A little chilli at the table won’t hurt either.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2031.