Acclaimed actor and winemaker, Sir Sam Neill has left an enduring legacy on New Zealand's wine and film industries.
The news that Sir Sam Neill has passed at age 78 has been met with sadness from movie-goers and winemakers alike. Despite enormous international success in blockbusters like the “Jurassic Park” franchise and “Hunt for the Wilderpeople”, Neill never forgot where his home was and his passion for the vineyards across Central Otago.
Since 1993, Neill has been one of New Zealand’s leading winemakers. His vineyard, Two Paddocks, is located within the heart of the Central Otago region. Beginning with five acres of pinot noir and debuting its original release in 1997, Two Paddocks has grown into one of the region's top wineries, with a footprint in all three of Central Otago’s great valleys.
Despite bringing his global fame to the industry, Neill often refused to be labelled as a “celebrity winemaker”. He said this was often a term that would diminish the work of those behind the wine, and would carry a precedence that it wasn’t very good.
Upon starting Two Paddocks, Neill said he wanted to produce a good pinot noir that would, at the very least, be enjoyed by his family and friends.
“Frankly, my friends will pretty much drink anything, so this didn't seem too hard. To our great surprise, our first vintage in 1997 was much better than we hoped, in spite of a difficult growing season. 1998 was a more distinguished vintage, and in 1999 we were astounded to produce a pinot that was, we thought, world-class.”
Two Paddocks was certified organic from its 2017 vintage, and has since built a reputation for producing quality wines that reflected the true taste of Central Otago.
Neill was announced as one of New Zealans Winegrower’s 2026 Fellows only four days before his passing. In a statement, Fabian Yukick, Chair of New Zealand Winegrowers, said Neill had 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 behind 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.”
Neill passed away at the age of 78, surrounded by his family in Sydney.
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