Rippon Vineyard is one of the first in Central Otago and remains the most beautiful in this southernmost wine region on Earth. It was originally planted by Rolfe and Lois Mills at Roy's Bay on Lake Wanaka on a north facing slope with gravel and schist soils and with a wide range of experimental grape varieties. These included, most famously, Pinot Noir, which continues to grow on this site and goes into this smooth, dry, complex wine.
The winemaker today is the son of the founders, Nick Mills, who continues to refine all aspects of winemaking here and has also spearheaded biodynamic farming of the land. This and all Rippon wines are biodynamically certified.