RIPPON VINEYARD  

Rippon is one of New Zealand's most iconic vineyards, celebrated for its breathtaking location on the shores of Lake Wānaka and its unwavering commitment to biodynamic winegrowing. Framed by the Southern Alps and overlooking Ruby Island, the family owned estate has become internationally recognised for producing some of Central Otago's most distinctive Pinot Noir, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. For many visitors, Rippon offers one of the most spectacular winery settings anywhere in the world and is an essential stop when exploring the Wānaka and Central Otago wine regions.

The story of Rippon began in 1912 when the Mills family first farmed the land overlooking Lake Wānaka. Inspired by the steep vineyard slopes of Portugal during the Second World War, Rolfe Mills returned home with a vision of planting grapes in Wānaka. Against considerable scepticism, he established experimental vines in 1975 before planting some of Central Otago's earliest commercial vineyards in 1982. Those pioneering efforts helped lay the foundations for the region's world renowned wine industry.

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Every bottle of Rippon wine is produced exclusively from the single estate vineyard, where biodynamic farming, dry grown vines and minimal intervention winemaking allow the land to speak through every vintage. The estate has been farmed biodynamically for more than two decades, with healthy soils, natural ecosystems and meticulous vineyard management producing wines of remarkable elegance, purity and longevity. Pinot Noir remains the flagship variety, complemented by exceptional Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Gamay, Sauvignon Blanc and Osteiner, each reflecting the unique climate and schist soils of Lake Wānaka.

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Rippon's philosophy extends far beyond winemaking. Every decision is guided by a deep respect for the land and a belief that great wine should faithfully express its vineyard, climate and season. The family continues to care for the property as a living ecosystem, creating wines that have earned worldwide acclaim while remaining true to their origins. This dedication to authenticity has established Rippon as one of the benchmark producers of Central Otago Pinot Noir and one of New Zealand's most respected wine estates.

 

A visit to Rippon is an experience unlike any other. Intimate tastings by appointment invite guests to discover the story of four generations of the Mills family while enjoying panoramic views across Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps. Combining pioneering history, biodynamic viticulture and one of the world's most beautiful vineyard settings, Rippon offers an unforgettable expression of Central Otago's landscape, heritage and world class wines.