Johnny Chapman and his wife Pam own and operate Como Villa Estate, a vineyard and historic property on Earnscleugh Road, Alexandra. The Chapmans purchased the property in 1982 and have restored the original stone house, built in 1865 by Thomas Oliver, its underground cellar, a blacksmith shop, carriages and rural machinery.
Johnny’s fascinating life story spans continents and careers. From his early days growing up on a farm in Southland, Johnny’s journey has been one of enterprise, adventure and innovation. At 21, he headed to Australia, where he spent three years doing such work as breaking in horses and culling kangaroos.
After returning to New Zealand Johnny established successful hedge cutting and lamb tailing businesses. Then he set off again, this time to Canada, where he gained valuable experience working with deer. Back in New Zealand the Chapmans bought Como Villa Estate and Johnny put his knowledge of deer farming to action, managing his own herd alongside orcharding. Eventually, deer became less profitable, so Johnny drove heavy machinery connected to the construction of the Clyde dam, ventured into real estate, and established the vineyard.
Johnny and Pam’s curiosity about the history of Como Villa led them to research the life of Thomas Oliver, a project to which they have dedicated many years and which culminated in a book titled Thomas Oliver: A Man of his Time and the Legacy he left Behind, 1835 – 1908.
Interviewer: Joan Lawrence
Interview Dates: August 2025
Johnny and Pam's wedding, 1977
Como Villa First Vintage Pinot Noir, 2008
Book about Thomas Oliver, by John and Pam Chapman
Johnny Chapman, 2025
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