Rippon with Nick Mills

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we travel to Rippon Vineyard in Wanaka, New Zealand, and sit down with Nick Mills, Rippon’s General Manager and Winemaker, to uncover the story behind one of the most iconic vineyards in the world.Rippon isn’t just about wine—it’s about heritage, terroir, and sustainability. Nick takes us through the vineyard’s rich family legacy, its award-winning wines, and the deep connection between land and grape. From the breathtaking landscapes of Central Otago to Nick’s personal journey in Burgundy, we explore how Rippon’s philosophy of organic farming and respect for nature has shaped its unique style.You’ll learn about the vineyard’s most celebrated wines, hear surprising stories (including how Rippon’s “Gamay” was revealed to be Pinot Noir), and join us for an exclusive tasting of their top vintages. Whether you’re a passionate wine collector, a casual enthusiast, or just curious about the magic behind a bottle, this conversation will give you new insights into the artistry of winemaking.Thank you to Nick and the Rippon team.👉 Subscribe to  ⁨@TheWinedUp⁩ and comment on your favourite Rippon wine.Browse and shop Rippon wines at https://rippon.co.nzCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction01:28 Icebreaker Questions with Nick Mills01:40 Nick Mills' Wine Journey03:48 Unique Wine and Food Pairings04:05 Lessons from the Vineyard07:06 The History of Rippon12:47 Generational Legacy and Viticulture16:59 Tasting the 2022 Mature Vine20:03 Influence of Burgundy on Winemaking25:47 The Importance of Land and Sustainability29:56 Reflecting on the Land and Its Legacy30:43 Returning Home: A Turning Point32:19 The Unique Climate and Geography of New Zealand32:58 The Story Behind Rippon's Gamay35:17 Discovering the True Identity of the Vines39:38 The Philosophy of Winemaking at Rippon40:06 The Essence of Rippon's Riesling41:28 The Importance of Texture in Wine43:54 The Digestive Qualities of Wine49:00 Pride in Rippon's Legacy and Future50:52 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations#Ripponvineyard #ripponnewzealandwine #rippon #newzealand #nzwine #nickmills #winemaker #wanaka #centralotago #pinotnoir #organicwine #sustainablevineyards #burgundy #terroir #winetasting #winedocumentary #vineyards #thewineduppodcast  #thewinedup #podcast #winepodcast Follow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up).  Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at [email protected].   Drink More, Try More, Learn More.