Two Paddocks is Sam Neill’s vineyard in Central Otago!
Sam Neill grew up in the South Island of New Zealand – his family had land and horses. His father ran a wine business, Neill & Co, in Dunedin – it seems only natural that Sam should have vineyards and an organic farm in Central Otago.
Two Paddocks is made up of four organic vineyards – The Fusilier on Felton Road Bannockburn, The First Paddock in Gibbston, Last Chance in Earnscleugh and The Red Bank Farm and Vineyard on the border of Earnscleugh and Alexandra.
Grapes were planted in The First Paddock, Gibbston Valley in 1993, with the idea to make a wine for family and friends. The first vintage was 1997 – a year with a heavy rainfall. The Pinot Noir was surprisingly good, and over the years that followed the wines became more and more impressive.
“These premium wines are the ultimate expression of our special vineyard sites — soil, slope, water and climate — modified by the influence of the vintage, and carefully nurtured by our dedicated vineyard and winemaking team.”
You can read more about Two Paddocks and their wines here.