One of the most picturesque vineyards in NZ, Rippon is owned by Rolfe and Louis Mills and their winemaker son Nick. The vineyards slope gently down to the scenically spectacular banks of pristine Lake Wanaka in Central Otago. This is a cool continental climate, tempered by Lake Wanaka which helps to moderate temperatures and alleviate frost concerns. Rippon’s 15 ha of vineyards are predominantly on their own roots, situated on a north-facing escarpment, anchored on a mixture of coarse schist based gravels. Since 2003 the vineyards have been farmed biodynamically. Nick spent several vintages in Burgundy and this experience is clearly evident in the structure and expression of the wines. Rippon’s wines are all made from estate grown fruit and a number of wines are produced including Pinot Noir, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay, Osteiner and the Jeunesse Range from younger vines.

<p>Founded in 1999, Domaine Cosse Maisonneuve estate was born from the association of two talented winegrowers: Matthieu Cosse and Catherine Maisonneuve. Matthieu Cosse, oenologist graduated from the Bordeaux Oenology Institute and former rugby player, has already been making wine at Ch&acirc;teau La Coste in Provence since 2006. Catherine Maisonneuve, straight out of the famous Chateau L&eacute;oville Las Cases, has a degree in viticulture and oenology.</p>