Rippon with Nick Mills

Send us Fan Mail In 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.nz CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:28 Icebreaker Questions with Nick Mills 01:40 Nick Mills' Wine Journey 03:48 Unique Wine and Food Pairings 04:05 Lessons from the Vineyard 07:06 The History of Rippon 12:47 Generational Legacy and Viticulture 16:59 Tasting the 2022 Mature Vine 20:03 Influence of Burgundy on Winemaking 25:47 The Importance of Land and Sustainability 29:56 Reflecting on the Land and Its Legacy 30:43 Returning Home: A Turning Point 32:19 The Unique Climate and Geography of New Zealand 32:58 The Story Behind Rippon's Gamay 35:17 Discovering the True Identity of the Vines 39:38 The Philosophy of Winemaking at Rippon 40:06 The Essence of Rippon's Riesling 41:28 The Importance of Texture in Wine 43:54 The Digestive Qualities of Wine 49:00 Pride in Rippon's Legacy and Future 50:52 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 Project Candor: Ordinary People. Unexpected Stories How a dog taught Dr. Andy Neillie to lead. You don't have to be famous to be fascinating. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 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.