The Prop Pushes Two Paddocks Closer to the Sun
The Editor's personal affection for Two Paddocks Central Otago wine and the Red Bank Farm and Winery is no secret. Nor is the Proprietor's solar endeavour.
At Two Paddocks Red Bank Farm & Vineyard, they've made the switch to running exclusively on solar energy, with the help of Wānaka Solar.
It's just one small part of their ongoing sustainable approach for nurturing the precious patch of dirt that is home to some exceptional vines, pigs, ducks, some remarkable sculptures and a few other notable residents.
Two Paddock’s solar power has been principally driven by the Proprietor and founder, Sam Neill (@samneilltheprop - yes, it’s really that Sam Neill) and he’s been working on this installation project for about 12 months. You can view more behind the scenes of the project on his Instagram account.
The Prop’s adamant that we convert fully to electricity powered (as soon as is pragmatically possible) says Jacqui Murphy, general manager.
“Currently there is an electric gator farm vehicle, an electric mower and I’ve got an EV. Sam also has an EV on order. There are four charging stations at Red Bank - two up at the tractor shed and two at The Clubhouse - so visitors and staff are able to charge their vehicles here.”
For those who like figures, the installation of one hundred 500W panels at Red Bank means that they now have a 45kW production feeding into 71kWh of batteries. This means that the three houses, Clubhouse, workshop and irrigation pumps on Red Bank are all being sustainably powered, along with charging those electric cars and some farm vehicles.
This is part of a wider plan for the business to move away from a reliance on fossil fuels and continuing the path to be more sustainable in all their business practices including ensuring the installation was future proofed for ongoing solar needs.
Word to the wise — the Two Paddocks wine club The Private Paddock is an absolutely delight (a personal, not paid endorsement) that comes with wonderful storytelling, a deep sense of connection to the winemaking, an invitation to the Clubhouse when you’re in the neighbourhood and the occasional, not-to-be-missed Club picnic when the sun shines. If you’re lucky, the Prop may even sing a tune or two with the band. - Ed.