Katie Spain's Bottle Stop - South Australian Weekend Magazine

Smiles like cuddles, are a rare and precious thing these days.  I can't get the latter from Sam Neill (he's in lockdown) but he does a fine job of turning frowns upside down.

The award-winning actor (you may remember him as the affable Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park) is also a farmer and proprietor of New Zealand's Two Paddocks family vineyard.  Central Otago pinot noir is his jam but winemaker Dean Shaw and the Two Paddocks team also make riesling and a pinot noir rosé.

When he's not tending the land, Neill is also in the business of cheering people up.  He does so via videos posted to social media and it's funny stuff.  Head to his Twitter (@TwoPaddocks) or Instagram (@SamNeillTheProp) to watch the "home humiliation" magic unfold.  His self-isolation antics include ukulele sing-alongs, poems, ruminations, bedtime stories, solo wine tastings and Dr Seuss readings for the kids.  As the days pass, he looks increasingly dishevelled (swoon) but the video updates are heartwarming and best viewed with a glass of the Two Paddocks 2018 Alexandra Pinot Noir. 

Two Paddocks is a small producer so you'll have to do a little bit of searching (I know you've got time on your hands) but a strong Aussie supporter base means the current release wines can be found in many independent fine wine merchants across the nation.  In South Australia, your best bet are the likes of East End Cellars, the Edinburgh Hotel and Cellars, Parade Cellars, Goodwood Cellars, the Stirling Hotel or Vintage Cellars.  The wines are also available online: https://www.twopaddocks.com/shop-online/