Nigel John Dermot "Sam" Neill is a New Zealand actor, director, producer, and writer. Born in Omagh, Northern Ireland, 1947, his family moved to NZ in 1954.

In 1993, actor Sam Neill established the Two Paddocks company with a planting of 5 acres (2.0 ha) of Pinot Noir on a small vineyard at Gibbston, Central Otago.

Central Otago is the world's southernmost commercial wine growing region, with Pinot Noir the predominant grape variety, estimated to account for some 70% of plantings. The other 30% of production comes from Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer. Sparkling wine is made in the traditional style from Pinot noir and Chardonnay grapes. There are approximately 133 vineyards in the region.

Central Otago is now considered to produce some of the world's best Pinot Noir.

Sleeping Dogs is a vineyard owned by film director Roger Donaldson, named after the1977 movie of the same name that he directed and which featured Neill in his first movie. Neill has purchased other vineyards in Central Otago, including one established by Donaldson, to augment his original Two Paddocks plantings.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org