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Rippon

Central Otago

Ethos: A unique expression of place and space

Winemaker

Nick Mills

Wine Style

Still Red, White, Rose

From the shores of Lake Wānaka: Rippon is a unique parcel of land on the shores of Lake Wānaka, farmed by the Mills family for four generations as far back as 1912. The Mills have been winegrowers since 1982. Their principal commitment is to their soil, which connects each and every one of them to this place. As pioneers in the Central Otago (their vineyards were first planted in 1975) most of Rippon's vineyards are mature and, remarkably for the New World, ungrafted. Today the vines are cultivated biodynamically (Biogro and Demeter certified) and without irrigation. From soil to bottle, Rippon's focus is on allowing this singular and extraordinary land to express itself to its full potential.

The uniqueness of Central Otago: Central Otago has the only continental climate in New Zealand for viticulture. It has intense levels of ultra violet light, long sunshine hours and highly refractive soils. Wānaka itself is marginally more temperate than the rest of Central Otago due partly to its close proximity to the dividing mountains of the Southern Alps but also to the large mass of water that is Lake Wānaka.

Biodynamic passion: As winegrowers, the Mills and their long-standing team are dedicated to soil custodianship; nurturing a healthy, responsive relationship with the vines that bind them to the land. In response to such care, the vines drive their energy into the grapes creating raw material that is capable of fostering wines that truly reflect their place.

From soil to bottle: Rippon's focus is on allowing this singular and extraordinary plot of land to express itself fully. The Mills family and staff are engagingly warm, inviting tourists to their family farm to share in their history, community, story and wines. Join them for a tasting and enlightening conversation at their Wānaka winery – by appointment from 11am to 5pm – seven days a week. Their generosity ensures that Cellar Door tastings remain free of charge, they hold a maximum of six people and run every half hour. For the passionate vinophile, be sure to book a more in-depth look at Rippon, which covers the farm, the wines, the processes and the philosophy for the very affordable sum of NZ$45 per person. 

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