Two Paddocks acquires fourth vineyard

Actor Sam Neill has acquired a fourth vineyard in Central Otago expanding his Two Paddocks estate.

Actor Sam Neill

The newly attained six-hectare Desert Heart Vineyard in Bannockburn will be entirely devoted to growing Pinot Noir.

Sam Neill said: “We’ve been quietly looking around for something good in this neck of the woods for quite a while now and we were very fortunate that the opportunity came up of buying a small vineyard that we’ve always admired – Desert Heart.”

He added: “This is a beautifully sited vineyard, that has been tended with immense dedication and attention to detail and we could not be more delighted to include this iconic vineyard into the Two Paddocks fold.”

“This puts us in the unique position of being the only Central Otago winery with a footprint in all three of Central Otagos great valleys, by owning vineyards in Gibbston, the Alexandra Basin and now the Cromwell Basin.

“I believe it demonstrates our faith and confidence in the future of New Zealand wine, Central Otago and in particular, Central Otago Pinot Noir.“

The Desert Heart vineyard was first established by Denny Downie and Jane Gill in 1999.

Its acquisition takes the Two Paddocks vineyard to 19 hectares and will ensure all wines will be 100% estate grown.

Neill is hoping to name it after his father who was a soldier and then ran the family wine and spirit business.