Lois Mills, centre, stands with her family during a speech to open a new wine hall and function centre at Rippon Vineyard in Wanaka, on Saturday. Photo by Matthew Haggart.
More than 100 people were welcomed by Lois Mills and her family at the official opening and blessing ceremony.
Mrs Mills spoke of the vision she and her late husband Rolfe Mills shared when they first planned a centrepiece hall at the "heart" of the vineyard.
The couple had established the vineyard in 1982.
Last night the hall reverberated to the Aotearoa roots sound of New Zealand musician Warren Maxwell at the venue's first event.
The new venue would give more opportunities for "art, music, theatre, celebration, and education", Rippon wine-maker Nick Mills said.
