A trip to New Zealand would just not be complete without a visit to a winery, and we were fortunate to have Rippon within walking distance. No matter the wine, the view alone is worth the visit.
Is that not incredible? Stunning!
During the tasting we learned that “the winegrowing team’s principal commitment is to the soil. Nurturing a healthy, responsive medium underfoot binds the vines and the people to their land. Biodynamic farming and no irrigation help the vine drive energy into its seed and issue raw material that is capable of fostering wines that are true to their place”.
My favorite of the wines that we tasted was the Pinot Noir. The winery also produces a Sauvignon Blanc, an Osteiner, a Gerwurtztraminer, and an Riesling. Of course, part of the fun of any tasting is the people you are with.
After the tasting, we enjoyed playing with photography,
and hanging out in the Chair for Contemplation.
Finally, with no Designated Driver required, we walked home.
Happiness!
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 
Incredible photo’s LB! The wine tasting presenter was so fab and fun! When you retire, you could think of doing the same in Virginia. So many opportunities for that there and you’d be a natural ! Plus who’d appreciate the product more than you. Love the interior photo’s, you shoot everything to look so impressive! xoxo Boom
Your comment makes me realize that I should have take a photo of the gal that presented the wines. She was indeed great.
Too bad we didn’t get to drink much wine while in New Zealand … hahahaha!!!
Absolutely beautiful photography – it has been such a great treat to view our activities through the eye of your camera – you are so inspiring! xoxo
So glad you like the photos, Pauline. Miss you already!
LOL, yes too bad. If we hadn’t been exercising all the time, we could have had more wine 😉 snort
Stunning, indeed. All of them
We were almost overwhelmed by the beauty!
I second what Pauline said, have enjoyed hearing about and seeing the trip through your camera lens.
Thanks Karen for that comment AND for viewing all the blog posts!
These images are gorgeous Laurie 🙂 It looks like a beautiful place.
Can you believe that view? Stunning!
Laurie, it looks like you are all having the time of your life! What a great experience!
We had such fun together, Lynn. The Joys of Blogging!
I am now on my own, with the next 2 days in Queenstown and the 8 after that in Australia!
What are your plans in Australia?
Wow…what a place to get tipsy! Beautiful. 🙂
Isn’t it a gorgeous place? And how cool to be able to walk home!
Definitely!
Was there anyone of you that did not taste the wine? You might have needed a designated walker to guide you back. 🙂 I love it when I can have a drink and not need a car. Your photos are stunning as always. So much fun to see you all pose in the “chair”? That is such a breathtaking area and I’m delighted to hear they are taking care of the soil so well. Wish we did more of that here. Thanks for sharing all the photos. Love seeing all of you having fun.
I’m with you, Marlene. I loved their biodynamic philosophy. The presenter told us that they used to hold festivals with music but stopped when they saw that it was damaging the soil.
Sadly, our group is now dispersing. It was just so incredible to spend time with these “blogging babes”.
Hopefully we’ll have more opportunities to gather in the future, and I sure hope to get to Oregon in the next year so perhaps we’ll be able to meet in person!
Oregon is changing too just like everywhere humans stop caring. Still love it here though. Would love to have you visit. Safe journeys home.
These pictures are incredible! What an amazing trip.
Truly, truly amazing! ❤
The scenery is this area is so beautiful. You’ve really done it justice! I recently heard that the soil dictates the taste of the wine. No wonder it is nurtured so carefully.
Yes, between the soil and the water, the wine can very much differ.
I loved the philosophy of this winery.
Amazing photos–what a gorgeous spot! And you really captured the fun!
Reblogged this on The Contented Crafter and commented:
I didn’t partake of the tasting, being the official driver for those who couldn’t hike the hills but thought you might enjoy the beauty of this stunning winery in Wanaka, courtesy once more of the talented Laurie
Wow! That’s all. 🙂
Love all the pictures, esp. the one of you in the Chair for Contemplation.
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