Sam Neill selling acclaimed Gibbston vineyard

Kiwi actor Sam Neill is selling his Gibbston vineyard as he looks to grow his acclaimed Two Paddocks winery, nearly 30 years after the Gibbston site was first planted. 

Two Paddocks has exclusively appointed Colliers to sell The First Paddock on Gibbston Back Road, Gibbston, by way of deadline private treaty closing at 2pm on 17 November, unless sold prior. 

The First Paddock is a certified organic vineyard and the 8.33ha property boasts 4.6ha of Pinot Noir vines, plus 3.2ha of additional land that could be planted or developed. 

The vineyard was originally planted by the Neill family business in 1993, becoming the first in the prized Two Paddocks stable. Neill, Founder and Proprietor of Two Paddocks, says he is reluctantly selling the original vineyard as the business embarks on a new chapter. 

“Two Paddocks is expanding and diversifying, and rationalising some aspects of what we do,” he says. “Our Gibbston vineyard has always proved a prestigious asset for the business and produced many award-winning wines. It is just a little far from our core business near Alexandra and Bannockburn.” 

Image courtesy Colliers

Jacqui Murphy, General Manager of Two Paddocks, says the vineyard has played an integral role for the winery. “Since 1997, The First Paddock has consistently produced some of the best fruit for Two Paddocks and the wine has gained international recognition from preeminent wine publications. 

“The wines made from grapes grown at The First Paddock are among a mere handful of New Zealand wines to receive 95 Points in Wine Spectator.” 

The property is within the Gibbston Character Zone, which is designed to protect what has made the valley a renowned wine sub-region and desirable place to live.