Rippon

Rippon Vineyards, located on the stunning shores of Lake Wanaka in Central Otago, New Zealand, is a pioneering family-owned winery renowned for its biodynamic farming practices and its deep commitment to expressing the unique terroir of the region.

History of Rippon Vineyards Estate

The Rippon Estate was established in the 1970s by Rolfe Mills, a visionary who recognized the potential of Central Otago as a premium wine-growing region. The estate's name, Rippon, comes from Rolfe’s great-grandmother, Emma Rippon, whose family owned land in the area. Initially, the Mills family planted experimental plots to test the suitability of various grape varieties to the region’s challenging climate. It soon became evident that Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer thrived particularly well in the schist-based soils of Rippon’s vineyards.

In the early 1980s, the estate made its first commercial wines, and since then, Rippon has become a benchmark for biodynamic viticulture in New Zealand. Today, the estate is managed by Nick Mills, the son of Rolfe, who returned to New Zealand after training and working in Burgundy. Under Nick’s leadership, Rippon has continued its commitment to sustainable and biodynamic farming, further enhancing the purity and quality of the wines.

Region and Vineyards

Rippon Vineyards is located in Central Otago, one of New Zealand’s most renowned wine regions, famous for its continental climate and its ability to produce elegant, complex wines. The estate sits on the western shores of Roy’s Bay, with a north-facing aspect that allows the vines to soak up the sun, promoting even ripening while maintaining vibrant acidity.

The soils of Rippon’s vineyards are unique, formed by an ancient ejection cone of schist gravels. This rocky, mineral-rich soil provides excellent drainage and low fertility, forcing the vines to work harder and dig deep for nutrients, which results in wines of great concentration and minerality. The estate’s oldest vines, some dating back to 1982, are ungrafted, allowing them to grow directly into the schist soils, further emphasizing the expression of terroir.

Wine Range

Rippon is best known for its outstanding Pinot Noir, which has garnered international acclaim for its purity, elegance, and ability to age gracefully. The estate produces several expressions of Pinot Noir, including the Rippon Mature Vine Pinot Noir and the Rippon Tinker’s Field Pinot Noir, a single-vineyard wine from the oldest and most prized vines on the property.

In addition to Pinot Noir, Rippon also produces exceptional Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Sauvignon Blanc, all of which reflect the unique terroir of Lake Wanaka. These wines are characterized by their bright acidity, aromatic complexity, and precise minerality.

Did you know?

Rippon Vineyards has long been a leader in biodynamic farming in New Zealand. The estate has been farmed biodynamically since the 1990s, and it remains one of the few wineries in the country fully committed to these sustainable practices. This holistic approach to viticulture is centered around working in harmony with the land, enhancing the health of the soils, vines, and surrounding environment to produce wines that truly express their place of origin.