Winemakers / Lindsay McLachlan
Lindsay McLachlan
The story behind
The Wine
We were first introduced to Peregrine Wines in Central Otago through renowned international referee and SWC member, Wayne Barnes. During a visit to New Zealand, Wayne met with the winery’s owner, Lindsay McLachlan—a fellow former international referee who officiated throughout the 1990s. Rugby enthusiasts may recall McLachlan’s role in the memorable 1994 England vs. Scotland clash, where he awarded a last-minute penalty that secured a dramatic 15-14 victory for England at Murrayfield. A fitting connection, as Peregrine’s wines—like that match—leave a lasting impression.
Discover our
Sporting Connection
Lindsay McLachlan is a former international rugby referee who officiated eight Test matches during a distinguished career that concluded in 1994, just as the game was on the cusp of professionalism. Today, he channels his passion and precision into Peregrine Wines in Central Otago, where he is joined by his sons, Fraser and Blair—both active in the family business and former provincial-level athletes in rugby, cricket, and basketball.
Lindsay remains a respected figure within the close-knit rugby and refereeing community. Peregrine has become a natural gathering point for current and former players, referees, and fans alike, many of whom make a point of visiting when passing through New Zealand’s spectacular deep south.
Exploring the
Vineyard
Long before officiating his first Test match, Lindsay McLachlan nurtured a deep passion for farming and winemaking—a vision that came to life with the creation of Peregrine Wines, his boutique family estate in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island.
Situated in Central Otago, the southernmost winegrowing region in the world at latitude 45° South, Peregrine’s vineyards thrive on north-facing slopes carved by ancient glaciers and perched alongside pristine lakes. This elevated, inland environment—unique in New Zealand—offers ideal conditions for cultivating Pinot Noir and aromatic white varietals such as Pinot Gris and Riesling.
Named after New Zealand’s native falcon, Peregrine has earned a reputation as one of the country’s most iconic wine brands. Since its first vintage in 1998, it has garnered both domestic and international acclaim for its elegance, purity, and expression of place.
In their
Own Words
“As a family we are thrilled to be in the team with the Sporting Wine Club. We share the values which stem from crafting great wine and enjoying the camaraderie in sport, and look forward to a long and enjoyable relationship with the club.”
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