Rippon Vineyard
Rippon Vineyard
4.5
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
On the shores of Lake Wanaka, Rippon has been farmed by the Mills family for 4 generations. Our vineyard Cellar Door offers tastings of a selection of wines all grown and produced on our biodynamic lakeside vineyard. Our Cellar Door is open 7 days by appointment only. All tastings can be booked from our website under the Tastings tab. If you are a group of more than 6 people, please contact us before coming out to arrange a time. We do not have a restaurant onsite, nor are picnics allowed so we recommend you enjoy one of Wanaka's many eateries before or after your tasting time.
Duration: < 1 hour
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- Pippa HLondon, United Kingdom87 contributionsGreat experience, tasty and informativeTaking the walk/short drive out to Rippon is well worth the trip! This relatively small vineyard produces some delicious wines, and you get to try 4 during this free tasting. We came away with a great understanding of the different grapes, and how growing them in this specific region affected the taste. The guide was well informed and engaging and we bought a reasonably priced bottle at the end.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 November 2023
- TBBDorsetUnited Kingdom12 contributionsExcellentThis vineyard has some mixed reviews that I really don’t understand. My wine tasting experience there was excellent and the range and quantities of wine provided were more than adequate.For those people who know their wines Rippon produce some high quality and different wines. The staff could not have been more helpful and knowledgeable and I cannot think of a better way to spend a little time in wanakaThank you so much for your lovely review! We're so glad you enjoyed your time at Rippon and you enjoyed the wines and experience. We hope to see you again soon!Written 17 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 7 March 2024
- BritishTomSwindon, United Kingdom36 contributionsFriendly staff, amazing scenery - Worth a visitVisited for the wine tasting around midday. Easy to get to, the views and scenery are amazing and well worth a visit. The wine tasting was good and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. For a free event it is well worth a visit - we bought a bottle of the Ancestral wine and viewed it as including the experience - so very good value!Thanks so much for your lovely review, BritishTom! It's been a lot of fun sharing the Ancestral with our visitors and we're glad you enjoyed it!Written 29 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 28 April 2024
- ChizzamericaSouth Island, New Zealand756 contributionsThe Chef’s Table dinning was amazing! Incredible food & flavoursA group dinner experience at The Chef’s Table in Rippon Hall to well remember; some of the best food I’ve eaten in Wanaka. Delicious starting platters, and very tasty mains to satisfy all palettes. Beef, pork, and lamb were shared & enjoyed - all cooked expertly. Highly recommended!!Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 25 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
403 reviews
Excellent
249
Very good
98
Average
33
Poor
12
Terrible
11
Louis H
12 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
It’s free to do a wine tasting, just make sure you book in advance as you can’t just turn up. Wine is exquisite - we bought a couple of bottles of the Osteiner which is a pretty unusual wine but tastes great. And what makes it even better is that stunning view over the lake.
This is the third time I’ve visited the Rippon Winery in 5 years. Each time the people I’ve brought have loved it.
This is the third time I’ve visited the Rippon Winery in 5 years. Each time the people I’ve brought have loved it.
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for an exquisite review! So good to hear you enjoy your experiences with us. Great also to hear that you were easily able to make an appointment. It is a new system for us and a surprise to many of our returning guests.
Good call on the Osteiner too ... it is my favourite summer heat quencher ... now we just need the heat!
Written 10 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James M
Auckland, New Zealand422 contributions
Dec 2019
My lovely wife and I booked a tasting. The cost is nothing but you must book if you want to do this. The lovely french girl explaining the winery and the wines did a brilliant job of explaining what differentiates Rippon Vineyard and their wines. They follow biodynamic practices which can only make their terroir better. We thoroughly enjoyed tasting all the wines, particularly the unusual osteria, sauvignion blanc, riesling and the pinot noir. We were very happy to purchase some of the wines and look forward to drinking them in the future. The view from the vineyard is spectacular and well worth the visit for that alone. If you're in Wanaka then this is a must do!
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Spectacular review, thanks! It is great to hear about our guest's experiences with us. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed the tasting, our staff and the wines ... of course! As I am always thirsty, I'd drink the Osteiner sooner than later but the rest will happily keep for years in your cellar. I hope they provide many hours of future enjoyment for you. Sante!
Written 10 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
anthony p
13 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
After quite a vigorous booking process , we were sent a gate pass code which only be valid during our allotted tasting session .
We arrived a little early - 2 minutes - for our tasting & thought that we would wander in , introduce ourselves , etc only to be told quite abruptly that the 2pm tasting would start in about 10 - 15 minutes.
At 2.15 there were 6 of us in attendance & we were asked if the other 6 for the booked tasting were known to us & if so , would they be along soon !
The tasting began & the other 6 joined in dribs & drabs .
A limited tasting of some very nice wines with a couple of ordinary samples.
The French host did provide an informed history of the vineyard & vignerons but discussion was abbreviated due to her programmed presentation.
All wines were brought out of the refrigerators one at a time providing very cold wine with little chance to appreciate the bouquet unless you attempted to warm the glass by hand.
Little disappointed with a winery operation that is purported to be one of New Zealand's best.
Once the tasting was complete , we were asked individually which two wines we preferred with no discussion between the host & any of the tasters.
We arrived a little early - 2 minutes - for our tasting & thought that we would wander in , introduce ourselves , etc only to be told quite abruptly that the 2pm tasting would start in about 10 - 15 minutes.
At 2.15 there were 6 of us in attendance & we were asked if the other 6 for the booked tasting were known to us & if so , would they be along soon !
The tasting began & the other 6 joined in dribs & drabs .
A limited tasting of some very nice wines with a couple of ordinary samples.
The French host did provide an informed history of the vineyard & vignerons but discussion was abbreviated due to her programmed presentation.
All wines were brought out of the refrigerators one at a time providing very cold wine with little chance to appreciate the bouquet unless you attempted to warm the glass by hand.
Little disappointed with a winery operation that is purported to be one of New Zealand's best.
Once the tasting was complete , we were asked individually which two wines we preferred with no discussion between the host & any of the tasters.
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is unfortunate to hear you found your experience with us to be less than expected. We are still working out a few kinks in the operation of our new appointment system and appreciate your feedback. Cheers.
Written 17 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Silvano S
Saffron Walden, UK185 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Rippon estate is the most beautiful vineyard I have ever visited. The stunning views on the glacial Wanaka lake, embraced by alpine landscapes, are unparalleled.
The tasting is free and you pay only if you don't show up.
The vines are absorbing minerals from the local rock, the schist, and are not irrigated. Biodamic techniques are used on the property.
The protagonist wines are dry whites. Above all, shines the Osteiner, a crossing between Riesling and Silvaner grapes.
The tasting is free and you pay only if you don't show up.
The vines are absorbing minerals from the local rock, the schist, and are not irrigated. Biodamic techniques are used on the property.
The protagonist wines are dry whites. Above all, shines the Osteiner, a crossing between Riesling and Silvaner grapes.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A truly lovely review ... thank you. The Osteiner is a rare delight! We are happy to hear you enjoyed it.
Written 17 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sam T
Southampton, UK16 contributions
Dec 2019
We booked the wine tasting here, and were taken aback by the stunning views. We really enjoyed our time here, had some good wine tasting. The wine tasting is actually free, but we bought a bottle after of the wine we liked the most.
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for choosing to come visit. It's so nice to hear you had an enjoyable time and enjoyed the wines. Be in touch if you'd ever like us to send you some more.
Written 17 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gemido
Nelson, New Zealand435 contributions
Aug 2023
We went for the Chefs Table. Three adults and 2 children under 5. They have a great set up for children which is a separate area adjacent to the main restaurant. A bit make shift but its heated and the parents can relax.
The servings are generous and some of the dishes are very tasty but overall presentation lacks finesse. The service was pitifully slow. You could almost say service was non existent. We asked for salt and in the end went to find it ourselves. Eventually it did show up. We were there more than 2 hours and left without having the third course.
The cheapest pinot at $72 a bottle was very rough. We had a better South African pinot from New World for $15.00 the night before. Surely one does not have to be paying over $100 a bottle to get a reasonable wine at a vineyard.
The setting and view was out of this world. Has to be one of the best restaurant views on the planet. Otherwise fairly average
The servings are generous and some of the dishes are very tasty but overall presentation lacks finesse. The service was pitifully slow. You could almost say service was non existent. We asked for salt and in the end went to find it ourselves. Eventually it did show up. We were there more than 2 hours and left without having the third course.
The cheapest pinot at $72 a bottle was very rough. We had a better South African pinot from New World for $15.00 the night before. Surely one does not have to be paying over $100 a bottle to get a reasonable wine at a vineyard.
The setting and view was out of this world. Has to be one of the best restaurant views on the planet. Otherwise fairly average
Written 10 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samuel Dixon
Hong Kong, China26 contributions
July 2021 • Friends
Spectacular! We had a fabulous dinner on the Chefs Table at Rippon Hall. We let the chef and waitresses choose the wine and food and they didn’t disappoint. Fresh local ingredients, cooked to perfection and served with typical Kiwi friendliness and joy. Thoroughly recommended.
Written 31 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kaylinMD
Arizona99 contributions
Mar 2023
The views are amazing from this high perch. I recommend walking in from the Lakeside path after booking an appointment and getting directions on how to find the winery as it is not marked from the path. Yes, the tastings are very small, but there is no fee so that is fair. I particularly enjoyed the unusual Osteiner white for a drinkable now option.
Written 11 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review! The Osteiner is a real crowd pleaser in the Cellar Door and we're so glad you enjoyed it!
Written 21 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GijsJongeneel
Pegasus, New Zealand26 contributions
Dec 2022
The views are stunning and they are known for the pinot noir but we got 5 white wines to taste and just 1 pinot noir. As i say taste, it is such a little in your glas that you can hardly taste it. But we realy enjoyed the pinot noir. A bit noisy with people leaving or hanging around and new people comming. Not an expirience that we ever had before at a wine tasting.
Written 4 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andreas G
5 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
You need to book in advance and the booking system is great. I amended my booking the day before for 30 mins later which worked well. They allocate 30 mins slot. They offered 5 wines for free which is also great. But it felt very rushed to taste the wines, the information provided was limited (also given the time) and the tasting started 7 mins late (which matters in a 30 mins time slot). Also, as a world class Pinot Noir producer I don’t understand why you would only offer one PN to taste and 3 whites and 1 rose which are less outstanding in my view. The family / management should re-think what they want to provide to clients and visitors and they should get some inspirations from other wine regions. With their views the have an absolute USP plus the Pinot‘s are world class.
Written 31 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We will be in South Island next week. Do you still have the usual great stuff during winter and all your usual itinerary?
Written 4 July 2016
Hello Traveler,
Not sure I can answer that question as I'm based in UK. Rippon wine farm is beautiful but has not got a restaurant and if it is cold unlikely to have a warm spot. I believe Wanaka gets very cold over the winter I would suggest you contact the Wanaka tourist information about whats on in the winter as they are closest to Rippon wine farm. Good luck !
Written 4 July 2016
Do you have a car or is there tasting platters or cheese platters? Approx how much are they?
Written 7 February 2016
There was a mixed cheese platter with biscuits, I think it was about $18.
We didn't have it- but Matt who did our tasting prepared it from pre-wrapped slices of cheese while he was talking to us.
It looked very basic.
The town is near by. You can't beat a lunch at Bistro Gentile!
Written 8 February 2016
Where is the best place to stay if we are attending a wedding at Rippon Hall? I am concerned re:getting home after the wedding reception. Is there any accommodation on the premises or within walking distance?
Written 9 October 2015
Hi Sophia - We are not too far out of town so walking is pretty easy to most places. Edgewater Resort is our nearest accommodation provider - they are a very short stroll down the hill. Wyndham Resort is also on this side of town. If you are looking for something more budget-oriented, the Top 10 Holiday Park is just across the road. But as I said, nothing is too far. And we do have a couple taxi services in town so a lift to anywhere is only a phone call away.
Hope this has helped ... We look forward to seeing you at Rippon soon!
Written 12 October 2015
Is there a nearby place to park a car?
Written 20 July 2015
Hi wutsurstyle, thanks for getting in touch. We have a large carpark onsite so there's no problems on the parking front. if the weather is nice, it's a lovely 35 minutes (give or take 10 minutes) walk around the lake and up the hill. Either way, we hope to see you at Rippon!
Written 20 July 2015
Hi there, I am organising a weekend with about 10 ladies, on the 18th July we will be coming to Wanaka. I was wondering whether you are available for tastings at this time? Kind regards, Claire
Written 18 June 2015
Hi Claire, thanks for getting in touch. For a group of that size, your best bet would be to touch base with our Cellar Door Manager, Leslie, who can advise costs and availability. I can't seem to include an email address in this message - if you have a look at our website and send a message to the "info" address there, I can then redirect your message to her. With the bad weather that we're having here (has it reached Clyde?), she's working from home today but should be picking up emails.
Best wishes
Jo
Written 18 June 2015
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