Sam Neill's Perennial Favourite — Central Otago Pinot Noir for Every Day

The 2020 Two Paddocks Picnic Central Otago Pinot Noir is the wine Sam Neill reaches for when he's not reaching for the flagship. Named after his grandfather Sidney Neill — wine merchant, and the man whose label graces every bottle — Picnic is Two Paddocks' perennial favourite: a lighter, more approachable expression of Central Otago Pinot Noir that captures everything the region does so very well, without asking you to wait years for it to open up.

My Wine Man on Two Paddocks

Two Paddocks was founded in 1993 by actor Sam Neill, who fell in love with Central Otago's dramatic landscape and planted his first vines in Gibbston. What began as a personal passion has grown into one of the region's most respected organic estates, with vineyards spanning three of Central Otago's finest sub-regions. Picnic draws fruit from the Alexandra, Gibbston, and Bannockburn estates — each farmed organically, each contributing something distinct to the blend. It is made in a deliberately lighter, more generous style: the wine you open on a Tuesday, share with friends, and finish without hesitation.

Tasting Notes

Black and red cherry fruit lead the palate, with warm spice and a generosity that keeps you reaching for the next sip. Bright, accessible, and immediately appealing — a wine that reflects the best of Central Otago Pinot Noir in its most welcoming form.

Style & Drinking Window

Light to medium-bodied, fruit-forward, and approachable. Drinking beautifully now — no decanting required. Serve slightly chilled at 14°C. A versatile food wine: salmon, duck, mushroom risotto, or charcuterie all work beautifully.

Perfect Food Pairing

An elegant Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with free-range chicken — try with the Waitoa Free-Range Chicken Breast, available from our sister store My Meat Man.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$219, the Two Paddocks Picnic delivers organic Central Otago Pinot Noir from one of the region's most celebrated estates — and one of New Zealand's most famous wine labels. It is the most accessible way to experience what Sam Neill and his team do, and a compelling introduction to the Two Paddocks range.

Looking for a Different Style?

Explore more Central Otago Pinot Noir from different producers:

• 2020 Mt Difficulty Roaring Meg Central Otago Pinot Noir — a peer approachable Central Otago Pinot from one of the region's most consistent and celebrated producers
• 2021 Burn Cottage Central Otago Pinot Noir — a biodynamic Central Otago Pinot Noir sharing Two Paddocks' commitment to organic and regenerative farming
• 2021 Amisfield Central Otago Pinot Noir — a polished, elegant Central Otago Pinot Noir from one of the region's most respected producers, a natural step up