Two Paddocks

If you’re a film fanatic, you will be familiar with Sam Neill of ‘Jurassic Park’ fame. Seeking a quieter life away from starring in Hollywood blockbusters, in 1993 Neill purchased land in Central Otago to grow vines for winemaking. You might ask why as we all know how arduous and tricky viticulture and vinification can be. The answer is that Neill and his family prefer rural life to the bright lights, with the emphasis being on hands on farming rather than creating a brand.

Two Paddocks have four vineyards scattered around Central Otago, the world’s southernmost wine region. They focus on areas within Bannockburn and Gibbston where Pinot Noir thrives. Neill’s approach means the vineyards are organic and sustainability is clearly at the forefront of Two Paddocks.

Pinot Noir grapes are hand harvested with 75% de-stemmed, before entering a 7-day cold soak, which extracts tannins and aromas. The finished wine spends 10 months in French barriques (20% new). The winemaking sensitively approaches the Pinot Noir grapes, with the aim being to reflect Central Otago terroir.