Wanaka winery makes top 50
Wanaka’s Rippon Vineyard has been named in the world’s top 20 vineyards for wine tourism.
ALIST list of the world’s 50 best vineyards for wine tourism includes Wanaka’s Rippon vineyard.
It and Hawke’s Bay Craggy Range were the New Zealand vineyards ranked in the top 20 in the world in the list, released yesterday.
The global list of wine tourism destinations named Argentina’s Zuccardi Valle de Uco in the top spot for the second year running.
Bodega Garzon in Uruguay was second for a consecutive year and Domane Wachau in Austria jumped 16 places to claim third spot this year.
Rippon, on the WanakaMt Aspiring Rd, placed 13th and was also named the best vineyard in Australasia. Craggy Range was 17thbest.
Last year, the biodynamic
Rippon was in eighth place and Craggy Range was 11th.
The list said Rippon had ‘‘jawdroppingly beautiful views from the shore of Lake Wanaka’’, ‘‘stunningly sleek biodynamic wines’’ from winemaker Nick Mills and ‘‘precise, sitespecific noble varieties of pinot noir, riesling, gewurztraminer’’.
‘‘What makes Rippon one of the most desirable estates in the world to visit? The wines, the views and the people — in equal measure. Lake Wanaka, an ancient moraine lake, shimmering under the crystal light of a sunny Central Otago day must count as one of the most Instagrammable images on the planet. That Rippon maintains 15ha of vines in this immaculate landscape is wonder enough, but the quality and sense of place of its wholly estategrown wines gives this little corner of heaven an extra special appeal,’’ the citation said.
Burgundytrained fourthgeneration Mr Mills and his team were praised along with the organic and biodynamic methods and intensive handwork on display.
‘‘Rippon’s cellar door is open for small group tastings by uncharged appointment throughout the year. Expect to enjoy an informal yet informed tasting of some of the best wines of Central Otago as you’re guided through a selection of five or six Rippon wines by a switchedon member of the Rippon team, who will talk you through the farm, the family’s history and, if you’re game, the arcane world of biodynamics,’’ the list said.
Of the 17thranked Craggy Range, the list said it was in a ‘‘stunning location in the shadow of Te Mata Peak’’ with ‘‘luxury boutique accommodation’’ and an ‘‘awardwinning restaurant’’.
It cited winemaker Julian Grounds and said the wines were ‘‘everything from aromatic whites to Bordeaux blends, and terroir syrahs and chardonnays’’.
‘‘Over the past 20 years, Terry and Mary Peabody have expended every possible effort to make Craggy Range an exceptional visitor experience. Whether it’s the cellar door, inspired by some of the Napa Valley’s leading wineries, the awardwinning restaurant with 360degree views of the local landscape, or Craggy Range’s exceptional boutique accommodation, expect nothing but the best in this beautiful little corner of Hawke’s Bay,’’ the list said of that operation, established in 1998.
‘‘When it came to establishing their vineyards, from the off Terry and Mary pursued an innovative multiregional approach, focusing on the Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay, ideally suited to highquality reds including syrah, merlot and cabernet sauvignon and Te Muna Rd in Martinborough — better for pinot noir and sauvignon blanc — to produce a range of wines that speak eloquently of their place,’’ the list said.
‘‘On a typical cellar visit, former New Zealand sommelier of the year Michael Bancks greets guests at the door and begins the tour in the main cellar building, Sophia, where you learn the history of Craggy Range. Then it’s on to the subterranean barrel hall, The Quarry, where you will taste from the estate’s unreleased prestige collection wines still in barrel.
‘‘From there, the tour moves on to the restaurant garden in the shadow of Te Mata peak . . . head chef Casey McDonald has devised a menu inspired by the elements and produce abundant in Hawke’s Bay. Finally, it’s on to the sun terrace to enjoy a guided tasting of Craggy Range’s diverse multiregion range, with a variety of flight options available to suit each guest’s tastes,’’ the citation said.
The world’s best vineyards list is based on nominations from a voting academy made up of more than 500 wine experts, sommeliers and travel correspondents from around the world. It aims to raise the profile of wine tourism. — The New Zealand Herald