Tears are still falling for Sam Neill, the screen legend whose death on 13 July 2026 at 78 has left a gaping hole in our cinematic hearts. Yet, even as we mourn, his legacy is being celebrated – and consumed – in a truly remarkable way. Sales of his prized Two Paddocks wine label are skyrocketing, with punters clamouring to get their hands on a bottle (or three) in tribute to the actor's unforgettable performances. And it's not just about quaffing a glass; fans are also digging deep for charity, showering causes close to Neill's heart with donations.
Retailers in New Zealand are reporting an astonishing surge in demand for Two Paddocks wines since news of Neill's passing broke. Liquorland has seen its Two Paddocks pinot noir leap from 423rd bestseller to a stunning number five – that's a sales increase of a whopping 1,828%! Boutique stores like Regional Wines in Wellington were stripped bare on the day he passed away, while Moore Wilson’s, another Wellington retailer, saw sales soar by an incredible five-fold. It seems customers are grabbing Two Paddocks for viewings of Neill's films, to stock their cellars, or as part of a special restaurant tribute.
Neill's commitment to environmental causes was as fierce as his film career. The news that the anti-mining group Sustainable Tarras has received more than NZ$20,000 (£10,300) in donations since his death is a powerful testament to his activism. Neill had been vocal about opposing the proposed open-cast goldmine near his vineyard, arguing it would devastate the region. Fans are continuing this fight in his honour, with messages like "For Sam – we'll keep fighting in your name."
Jacqui Murphy, general manager of Two Paddocks, believes Neill would have been deeply touched by the outpouring of support. For him, sharing a glass of fine wine was about living life to the full, and he'd be delighted that his wine is bringing people together in his memory. Dean McHenry of Negociants New Zealand notes that the surge in demand reflects the profound impact Neill had as a national figure.
Donations are also pouring in for the Dunstan Hospital Foundation, where Neill received treatment for angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma – a type of blood cancer he'd been battling since 2022 and had recently announced he was free from. Contributions often include heartfelt messages highlighting Neill's significance to donors and the vital role of the hospital.