Two Paddocks
Summary
Two Paddocks is a boutique, family-owned winery founded by actor Sam Neill in 1993, spanning 20-25 hectares across four distinct high-altitude vineyard sites in Central Otago, where they focus primarily on Pinot Noir from schist-based soils. Their artisanal approach combines traditional winemaking techniques like hand harvesting and open-top fermentation with sustainable and organic viticulture practices, producing small-batch wines that express the region's diverse terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Two Paddocks was founded in 1993 by New Zealand actor Sam Neill, who planted his first vineyard in the Gibbston Valley area of Central Otago. This initial planting was modest in size and focused primarily on Pinot Noir, reflecting Neill's vision for the estate. The winery reached a significant milestone with its first commercial vintage, released in 1997/1998.
From its origins as a single vineyard operation, Two Paddocks has expanded to encompass four distinct vineyard sites across different Central Otago sub-regions. Neill remains the owner and maintains active involvement in the business, guiding its development as a family-operated enterprise. The winemaking team has included Dean Shaw, who has contributed his expertise to the estate's wines for many years.
The growth of Two Paddocks parallels the development of Central Otago as a premium wine region, with the estate becoming part of the movement that established the area's reputation for quality Pinot Noir production. As a member of the Central Otago Winegrowers Association, Two Paddocks participates in the regional wine community while maintaining its distinct identity as a boutique producer.
Vineyards & Wines
Two Paddocks' vineyard holdings span four sites across Central Otago's diverse sub-regions, each contributing different characteristics to the estate's wines. The original vineyard remains in Gibbston Valley, while subsequent acquisitions include the Last Chance vineyard in the Earnscleugh/Alexandra area, plus the Red Bank and Fusilier vineyards, both located in Bannockburn. Together, these properties comprise approximately 20-25 hectares of planted land.
The vineyards benefit from Central Otago's high-altitude growing conditions, which create a distinctive environment for viticulture. The soil composition across the estate is predominantly schist-based, though variations exist between the different vineyard sites, contributing to the complexity of the wines produced.
Pinot Noir stands as the flagship variety and primary focus of Two Paddocks' production. The estate crafts several expressions of this grape, including single-vineyard bottlings that highlight the distinctive characteristics of each site. Beyond Pinot Noir, the portfolio includes small productions of aromatic white varieties, notably Riesling, and a rosé made from Pinot Noir. The "Picnic" range represents a second label offering wines at more accessible price points.
Philosophy & Practice
Two Paddocks approaches viticulture with sustainable practices and minimal intervention in the vineyard. The estate employs hand harvesting across its vineyards to ensure quality control and optimal fruit selection. This careful attention to vineyard management reflects the overall philosophy of expressing Central Otago's unique terroir through the finished wines.
In the winery, traditional techniques guide the production process. Pinot Noir fermentation takes place in open-top vessels, following established methods for this variety. The aging program utilizes a combination of new and older French oak barrels, allowing for gentle maturation of the wines while managing oak influence.
The vineyards operate with environmental consciousness, with organic certification either achieved or in progress across the estate. This commitment to responsible farming practices aligns with the winery's overall approach to quality wine production. As members of the Central Otago Winegrowers Association, Two Paddocks participates in regional initiatives while maintaining its independent production philosophy centered on site expression and varietal integrity.