Sam Neill's Otago tipple served to Prince William

 Wine from Two Paddocks vineyard in Central Otago – owned by "well pleased" Hollywood star Sam Neill – was one of the tipples served at a reception for Prince William at Government House this month.

Prince William spent three days in the country and at the end of his first day he arrived at Government House in Auckland for a reception and a special hangi feast.

Two Paddocks manager Mark Field said the company's Auckland-based distributor told him the winery's 2007 pinot noir was served at the reception.

Mr Field did not know whether the wine was the only Central Otago vintage served at the princely function or whether Prince William sampled a glass.

However, it was probably the first time the firm's wine was served at a royal event, he said.

Proprietor Sam Neill, in his Two Paddocks blog, said "moles in high places" revealed that pinot was served to the prince. "Good choice. We are well pleased," he wrote.

It was a shame not one of the firm's representatives were invited because "we scrub up quite well," he said.

Mr Field confirmed the blog had been written by the Kiwi star.