Three generations of the Mills family will be on hand to officially open a new wine-tasting and function hall this morning before the party gets into full swing with a concert from New Zealand musician Warren Maxwell tomorrow night.
The opening of the wine hall, which is made from rammed earth walls and uses larch timber trusses, both sourced from the land at Rippon Vineyard, is a proud moment for mother and son team Lois and Nick Mills.
The hall is the first stage of a million-dollar redevelopment at the biodynamic vineyard, which will also include new wine-production facilities and a storage building.
Mrs Mills said a centrepiece wine hall had been a dream of hers and of husband Rolfe Mills when they established Rippon Vineyard in 1982.
"I don't want to say it's like a dream come true, because it is more than that ... We've put our souls into this and to finally have this kind of building, made from the land, at the heart of the place, is exactly what we wanted," she said.
Mr Mills said the redevelopment of the vineyard would help secure a lasting legacy at Rippon for future generations of their family.
The wine hall was the most critical part of the three-stage plan, because it would provide a revenue stream for ensuing projects.
"It will change the dynamic, being able to hold functions and events here, no doubt.
"But, we've always enjoyed having people here and now we have an ideal place to host them."
He described the building, made by rammed-earth building specialist Jimmy Cotter and ABL Construction, as "absolutely incredible".
"It will safeguard the heritage of this land for future generations," he said.
The opening of the wine hall takes place with a blessing at 10.30am today.
