Rippon
Summary
Rippon is a family-owned biodynamic estate producing 5,000 cases annually from 15 hectares of lakeside vineyards in Central Otago, focusing primarily on Pinot Noir alongside Riesling and Gewürztraminer grown in schist-derived sandy loams at 270-320 meters elevation. The Mills family maintains a hands-on approach throughout their operation, employing dry-farming techniques, indigenous yeast fermentations, and site-specific winemaking that showcases individual vineyard parcels while maintaining a holistic farm system that includes their own biodynamic preparations and comprehensive no-waste practices.
Heritage & Leadership
Rippon was established in 1982 by Rolfe and Lois Mills on the shores of Lake Wanaka in Central Otago, New Zealand. The Mills family's connection to this land dates back to 1912 when Rolfe's grandfather, Sir Percy Sargood, purchased the high country station. The first experimental vines were planted in 1974, but commercial vineyard development began in 1982 with 1.25 hectares of Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer.
Today, Rippon is led by Nick Mills, who returned to the family property in 2002 after training in Burgundy. Nick serves as winemaker and vineyard manager, working alongside his sisters Charlie and Jo, who handle marketing and business operations respectively. The Mills family maintains complete ownership of the estate, preserving its status as one of New Zealand's oldest family-owned vineyards.
A significant milestone occurred in 2003 when Rippon transitioned to biodynamic farming practices, receiving full Demeter certification in 2012. The estate released its first single-parcel wines in 2010, marking a shift toward site-specific expressions that highlight the unique terroir of individual blocks within the vineyard.
Vineyards & Wines
Rippon's 15-hectare vineyard sits on a north-facing escarpment on the shores of Lake Wanaka at 44.7° south latitude. The vineyard ranges in elevation from 270 to 320 meters above sea level and benefits from the thermal mass of Lake Wanaka, which moderates temperature extremes in this continental climate.
The soils consist primarily of schist-derived sandy loams with varying depths of glacial deposits. These free-draining soils feature high mineral content and quartz intrusions, contributing to the distinctive mineral character found in Rippon's wines.
Pinot Noir dominates the plantings at 9 hectares, with some vines dating back to the original 1982 plantings. The remainder is planted to Riesling (2.5 hectares), Gewürztraminer (1.5 hectares), Gamay (1 hectare), and smaller parcels of Sauvignon Blanc and Osteiner. The vineyard is divided into distinct blocks including Tinker's Field, Emma's Block, and Ruby's Block, each with specific soil profiles and microclimates.
Rippon's wine portfolio centers on single-vineyard and single-parcel wines, with Pinot Noir as the flagship. The estate produces approximately 5,000 cases annually, maintaining low yields of 4-6 tons per hectare to ensure concentration and quality.
Philosophy & Practice
Rippon adheres to a strict biodynamic farming philosophy, certified by Demeter since 2012. The estate maintains its own biodynamic preparations using materials from the farm, including compost from their herd of cattle. No irrigation is employed in the vineyard, forcing vines to develop deep root systems that express the underlying terroir.
In the winery, Rippon follows a minimal intervention approach. Fermentations occur with indigenous yeasts in open-top fermenters for red wines and neutral oak vessels for white wines. Pinot Noir sees approximately 25% whole cluster inclusion, varying by vintage and parcel. Aging takes place in French oak barrels, with new oak limited to 20-25% for the top Pinot Noirs and less for other wines.
The estate practices what they term "vigneron farming," where the same team manages both vineyard and winery operations to ensure continuity of care from vine to bottle. Rippon bottles all wines unfined and with minimal filtration, using gravity flow throughout the winemaking process to minimize mechanical intervention.
Rippon's commitment to place extends beyond wine production to include biodiversity initiatives on the property, including the preservation of native plant species and wildlife corridors. The estate maintains a no-waste policy, composting all grape pomace and organic materials for return to the vineyard.