“Drawing on my previous experience, I believe we can produce world-class organic wine from Two Paddocks properties.”

Richard Flatman, who spent his early years working for some of the largest wine companies in Australia and New Zealand, brings a wealth of experience to Two Paddocks. Today Richard manages all Two Paddocks land and vineyards and, partnered with winemaker Dean Shaw, produces some of the best quality wine to come out of Central Otago.

After a short stint in automotive engineering, Richard realized that his true calling was horticulture. He switched his focus to grape growing and began the study of viticulture and enology at Christchurch Polytechnic in New Zealand. As soon as he achieved his certificate, Richard moved to Australia where he worked at such prestigious wine companies as McLaren Vale and BRL Hardy, finally coming back to New Zealand in 2001 to work for Delegat’s Wine Estate, one of the largest wine companies

in the country. When the opportunity came up to manage the vineyards at Kawarau Estate in Central Otago, he jumped at it. “Central Otago has something that inspires people. Everybody talks, listens and learns from each other.”

At Kawarau Richard gained valuable experience in organic viticulture, a methodology he now applies to grape growing at Two Paddocks. “My commitment to organic viticulture is based on the fundamental principles of organic farming, which impact both the quality of the fruit and the long-term health of the vines and soil. I believe this approach is the best way to operate a vineyard.”