Winegrowers choose a president

Nick Mills, of Wanaka's Rippon Vineyard, has been elected president of the Central Otago Winegrowers Association, the organisation founded by his late father, Rolfe Mills, in 1984.

Mr Mills (35) has been a committee member for six years.

He was delighted with the appointment and the opportunity to follow in the steps of his father.

"It's a positive sign that in a very short space of time the Central Otago industry already provides continuity for a second generation of winegrowers," Mr Mills said.

He manages his family's Rippon Vineyard and Winery, overseeing all aspects of wine production.

He was instrumental in launching an organic viticulture programme in Central Otago, the first of its kind in New Zealand.

Mr Mills also instigated an annual Central Otago-Burgundy exchange programme, now in its third year.