Sam Neill honoured as New Zealand wine Fellow shortly before death

Sam 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’s wine industry. The Two Paddocks founder was praised for using his international profile to bring global attention to New Zealand’s wines, regions and people.

New Zealand Winegrowers has paid tribute to Sam Neill following the death of the actor and Two Paddocks founder aged 78.

Neill was not only one of New Zealand’s best-known actors but also an important figure in the development and promotion of the country’s wine sector.

“New Zealand Winegrowers are deeply saddened by the news of Sam Neill’s passing. Not only was Sam a beloved Kiwi film legend, but he was also an iconic figure in the New Zealand wine industry,” the organisation said.

Neill established Two Paddocks in Central Otago in 1993 after purchasing his first vineyard block two years earlier.

“What began as a desire to share those ethereal Pinot Noir moments with family and friends grew into one of New Zealand’s most respected wine brands,” New Zealand Winegrowers said.

“Along the way, Sam helped introduce our wines, regions and people to audiences around the world.”

Recognition before his death

Earlier this month, Neill was named among the five new Fellows of New Zealand Winegrowers for 2026.

The honour is awarded through peer nomination to people whose leadership, innovation and service have made an outstanding contribution to the country’s wine industry.

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’s story.

“Sam 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,” the organisation said.

“He 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.”

‘A lasting legacy’

Fabian Yukich, chair of New Zealand Winegrowers, said the Fellows programme recognises those who have helped shape the success of the industry.

“Each 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,” he said.

The 2026 Fellows were due to be inducted at the New Zealand Wine 2026 Celebration Dinner in Pōneke Wellington at the end of August.

Alongside Neill, the new Fellows are Kevin Judd, Lynnette Hudson, Rex Sunde and Philip Gregan.

“We are incredibly proud of this year’s Fellows and the contributions they have made,” Yukich said.

“They 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.”

Beyond celebrity

Neill resisted being described as a celebrity winemaker and preferred Two Paddocks to be judged on the quality of its wines.

The Central Otago estate grew from a five-acre vineyard in Gibbston into a producer with four vineyard sites across Gibbston, Alexandra and Bannockburn.

Neill became a prominent advocate for organic farming, site-specific Pinot Noir and the long-term potential of New Zealand wine.

Speaking to the drinks business in 2013, he said: “I don’t 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.”

Four years later, he described winemaking as “one of the arts” and spoke of his hope that the vineyards would remain after him as “a thing of beauty”.

Wine shared around the table

New Zealand Winegrowers said Neill’s contribution would continue through both his wines and the philosophy behind them.

“Sam’s 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’s true pleasures.”

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