Maxwell to open new hall

The opening of Rippon Hall in January will be celebrated with music and art.

The $1 million expansion of Rippon Vineyard's facilities is scheduled for completion next month, with musician Warren Maxwell booked to perform at the opening party on January 23.

Rippon Hall has capacity for 200 people and flanks the natural amphitheatre enjoyed by thousands who attend the Rippon music festival.

Maxwell is no stranger to the Rippon festival, having performed there with Trinity Roots, Fat Freddy's Drop and Little Bushman.

Rippon Hall also provides a wine-tasting area for the vineyard's wines, and will be the venue for the opening of the three-month Sculpture in Central Otago trail on February 4.

Maxwell rarely performs solo. During his visit to Wanaka, he will be the guest tutor at the Sounz Forza workshop for adult musicians.