Two Paddocks

Two Paddocks was established in 1993 when Sam Neill planted 5 acres (2 hectares) in the Gibbston Valley. The name references Neill's vineyard block alongside an adjacent paddock belonging to filmmaker Roger Donaldson. The first vintage followed in 1997. Over the next two decades the estate expanded steadily, adding Last Chance in Alexandra in 1998, Red Bank/Home Farm also in Alexandra in 2000, and finally The Fusilier in Bannockburn in 2013. That progression makes Two Paddocks the only producer in Central Otago with vineyards in all three of the region's major valleys.

• First vineyard planted 1993 in Gibbston Valley; first wine released 1997
• Named for Neill's block and an adjacent paddock owned by filmmaker Roger Donaldson
• Expanded from one to four vineyards between 1993 and 2013
• Sole Central Otago producer represented in Gibbston, Alexandra Basin, and Bannockburn (Cromwell Basin)

All four Two Paddocks vineyards sit within Central Otago, New Zealand, near the 45th Parallel South. The estate covers approximately 156 acres (60 hectares) in total, with 17 to 20 hectares under vine. The region operates under a marginal continental climate defined by extreme temperature swings, making it one of the most southerly fine-wine regions on earth. Soils vary by site but share a foundation of schist-based geology alongside deep alluvial fans composed of silt, sand, and gravel. These conditions encourage the low natural yields and concentrated flavors central to the Two Paddocks philosophy.

• Located at the 45th Parallel South; extreme cool continental climate
• Schist-based soils with deep alluvial fans of silt, sand, and gravel
• Approximately 17-20 hectares under vine across 156 total acres
• The Last Chance vineyard in Alexandra is identified as the world's most southerly vineyard

Two Paddocks focuses on Pinot Noir and Riesling, producing single-vineyard releases under the names The First Paddock, The Last Chance, and The Fusilier, alongside the more accessible Picnic second label. The house style aims for understated, savoury expressions that emphasize elegance and finesse rather than power, supported by extended oak aging. Winemaking is minimal-intervention throughout, relying on indigenous fermentation and screwcap closures across the range. Cropping levels are kept to a maximum of 5 tonnes per hectare, reinforcing the estate's commitment to quality over volume. All four vineyards achieved certified organic status from the 2017 vintage.

• Single-vineyard Pinot Noirs: The First Paddock, The Last Chance, The Fusilier
• Second label 'Picnic' offers broader access to the Two Paddocks style
• Indigenous fermentation, extended oak aging, screwcap closures throughout
• Maximum crop load of 5 tonnes per hectare; certified organic from 2017

Two Paddocks has built an international profile well beyond its modest scale. Wine Spectator awarded a score of 95 out of 100, and in 2016 Decanter included the estate in its top 50 Most Exciting Wines of the World. The combination of a high-profile founder, a genuine commitment to organic viticulture, and a focus on terroir-driven single-vineyard Pinot Noir has positioned Two Paddocks among the benchmark names of Central Otago.

• 95/100 from Wine Spectator
• Named in Decanter's top 50 Most Exciting Wines of the World, 2016
• Certified organic across all four vineyards from the 2017 vintage
• Holistic, sustainable farming philosophy underpins the entire operation