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<\/p>\nSam Neill was named a Fellow of New Zealand Winegrowers shortly before his death aged 78, recognising more than three decades of advocacy for the country\u2019s wine industry. The Two Paddocks founder was praised for using his international profile to bring global attention to New Zealand\u2019s wines, regions and people.<\/p>\n
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New Zealand Winegrowers has paid tribute to Sam Neill following the death of the actor and Two Paddocks founder aged 78.<\/p>\n
Neill was not only one of New Zealand\u2019s best-known actors but also an important figure in the development and promotion of the country\u2019s wine sector.<\/p>\n
\u201cNew Zealand Winegrowers are deeply saddened by the news of Sam Neill\u2019s passing. Not only was Sam a beloved Kiwi film legend, but he was also an iconic figure in the New Zealand wine industry,\u201d the organisation said.<\/p>\n
Neill established Two Paddocks in Central Otago in 1993 after purchasing his first vineyard block two years earlier.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat began as a desire to share those ethereal Pinot Noir moments with family and friends grew into one of New Zealand\u2019s most respected wine brands,\u201d New Zealand Winegrowers said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlong the way, Sam helped introduce our wines, regions and people to audiences around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
Recognition before his death<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, Neill was named among the five new Fellows of New Zealand Winegrowers for 2026.<\/p>\n
The honour is awarded through peer nomination to people whose leadership, innovation and service have made an outstanding contribution to the country\u2019s wine industry.<\/p>\n
According to New Zealand Winegrowers, Neill was recognised for promoting New Zealand wine and for the warmth and authenticity with which he told the industry\u2019s story.<\/p>\n
\u201cSam generously used his profile, talents and distinctive voice to promote New Zealand wine, bringing authenticity, warmth and global attention to the people, places and stories of the wine community,\u201d the organisation said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe spoke warmly of what the honour meant to him, recognising not only his more than 35 years in New Zealand wine, but also the dedicated Two Paddocks team and the Central Otago region that shared in that journey.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2018A lasting legacy\u2019<\/p>\n
Fabian Yukich, chair of New Zealand Winegrowers, said the Fellows programme recognises those who have helped shape the success of the industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach year, the Fellows honour recognises a select group of people who have made an outstanding contribution to our industry. The 2026 Fellows have each helped strengthen New Zealand wine in their own way, through their commitment to excellence, generosity of knowledge and service to the wider wine community,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The 2026 Fellows were due to be inducted at the New Zealand Wine 2026 Celebration Dinner in P\u014dneke Wellington at the end of August.<\/p>\n
Alongside Neill, the new Fellows are Kevin Judd, Lynnette Hudson, Rex Sunde and Philip Gregan.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are incredibly proud of this year\u2019s Fellows and the contributions they have made,\u201d Yukich said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey leave a lasting legacy for the next generation of winegrowers, and I look forward to acknowledging and congratulating them at their induction at the end of August.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beyond celebrity<\/p>\n
Neill resisted being described as a celebrity winemaker<\/a> and preferred Two Paddocks to be judged on the quality of its wines.<\/p>\n The Central Otago estate grew from a five-acre vineyard in Gibbston into a producer with four vineyard sites across Gibbston, Alexandra and Bannockburn.<\/p>\n Neill became a prominent advocate for organic farming, site-specific Pinot Noir and the long-term potential of New Zealand wine.<\/p>\n Speaking to the drinks business in 2013, he said: \u201cI don\u2019t like the celebrity winemaker tag because people groan if they hear a wine has been made by a celebrity and presume it must not be any good.\u201d<\/p>\n Four years later, he described winemaking as \u201cone of the arts\u201d and spoke of his hope that the vineyards would remain after him as \u201ca thing of beauty\u201d.<\/p>\n Wine shared around the table<\/p>\n New Zealand Winegrowers said Neill\u2019s contribution would continue through both his wines and the philosophy behind them.<\/p>\n \u201cSam\u2019s film legacy will continue to captivate audiences for generations. Equally enduring is the philosophy he championed through his wines: that great wine, shared around the table with family and friends, is one of life\u2019s true pleasures.\u201d<\/p>\n Related news<\/p>\n \n \n
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