Like many holidaymakers this summer, actor and winemaker Sam Neill has taken his caravan on the road.
But his is a working holiday. Neill is welcoming the public to a unique pop-up wine-tasting room in the sun.
It's a picnic venue with a difference. Walnut paddock in Bannockburn is now playing host to a cafe-wine bar and tasting room.
It was the idea of Two Paddocks vineyard owner Neill, who's been growing wine in central Otago for 23 years.
"It's been a bumpy rollercoaster ride, and thrilling at every corner, every turn," he says.
He's based the pop-up cellar door out of his restored retro Airstream caravan.
The actor says he also called in TV and film caterers Flying Trestles to cook up some tapas – food to go with the wine.
"I think wine should always go with the food. I don't really approve of just drinking wine on its own. Actually no, I take that back; I think wine can be drunk under any conditions at all."
It's a nice change of pace from his busy acting schedule. Neill recently completed an Agatha Christie mini-series for the BBC, and will head to Sundance for the premiere of Taika Waititi's new movie.
"And when I'm not doing my day job, you will find me walking among the vines looking as if I know what I'm doing. I'm doing something. That's my other life."
Visitors such as Mosgiel camper Linda Mitchell are impressed with the mix of wine and food, and the location this afternoon.
"Really good idea, really nice, because we're just holidaying along the road, so good day out."
Other campers like Martin McArthur came for different reasons.
"I came for the wine and a bit of Sam I suppose, to see the new caravan."
Diners also got to preview a special wine, from neighbouring vineyard The Fusilier, named after Neill's father who was in the British Army.
That wine won't go on public sale until May, but the outdoor tasting room is open in Bannockburn for the next fortnight.
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