More than two months after the passing of Sir Sam Neill, the actor’s beloved estate in Central Otago continues to reflect his personal passions and legacy. Two Paddocks Winery, the property Neill called home, is entering its spring season with the vineyards coming back to life amidst a mix of challenges and celebrations.
Jacqui Murphy, the winery’s general manager, described the outlook for the 2027 vintage ahead of pre-summer frost season. Frost remains a significant threat to the young shoots and delicate buds that emerge as temperatures rise. While the vineyard is hopeful for minimal frost damage, spring frosts are an ever-present risk in this region.
The estate has already suffered substantial losses to their apricot crop this year due to frost, with about 80% of the fruit on four trees destroyed. These apricots had a particular sentimental value, having been used by Neill himself to make homemade jam, a hobby he pursued with enthusiasm and generosity. Murphy noted there is still some of the “Sam jam” preserved in the winery’s cupboard.
Neill preferred to maintain organic practices on the property, avoiding harsh chemical sprays on fruit and vines. This commitment to natural production adds complexity to managing the vineyard, requiring expert culturalists—specialized farmers—to care for the crops effectively. Murphy emphasized the skill and hard work of these individuals in sustaining organic viticulture, which remains a core principle of Two Paddocks.
Beyond viticulture, Neill’s love for animals also endures at the estate. The winery recently shared updates on Instagram about pigs Brian and Amy, who continue to thrive there. Amy is descended from Anjelica, a pig Sir Sam adopted nearly two decades ago and cared for until her death in 2024. The close bond Neill shared with Anjelica was well known, and posts featuring the animals often received widespread attention on social media, reflecting the actor’s popular public persona.
Before Neill acquired the property, it operated as a horticultural research farm, cultivating an array of botanicals and fruit varieties. The actor retained many of these plantings and added thousands of native trees and shrubs, aiming to restore indigenous flora and attract local birdlife such as tuis and bellbirds. This environmental legacy brought Neill great satisfaction, with the farm serving as a private sanctuary amid his international career.
Neill also invested in local arts, decorating the estate with pieces by emerging regional artists. Rather than seeking high-value works, he showed a keen eye for promising talents, often personally installing or rotating artworks during his visits.
Currently, the Two Paddocks vineyard and private paddocks are accessible only to select members of its Wine Club. However, Murphy indicated plans to open the property for tours starting this summer, allowing a broader public to experience the unique environment Neill cultivated. Further details on visitor access and events are expected in the coming months.