Fans across New Zealand and around the world are paying tribute to the late Sam Neill by purchasing his wine brand and making large donations to causes he supported.
The 78-year-old actor died on July 13 of pneumonia, three months after announcing he was cancer-free following a 2022 diagnosis of stage three angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma.
>>> Severe Heat and Storm Warnings Blanket Canada as Temperatures Soar
Following his death, representative Philip Grenz suggested fans donate to causes Neill held dear instead of sending flowers to the family.
Wine Sales Soar
Neill produced pinot noir, riesling, and rosé under his Two Paddocks label in Central Otago, New Zealand, often donating bottles to charitable causes and friends.
National retailer Liquorland reported that Two Paddocks pinot noir jumped from being its 423rd bestselling wine to fifth place following his death, marking a 1,828% sales increase.
Boutique stores also experienced high demand, with Regional Wines in Wellington selling out on the day he died, while wholesaler Moore Wilson's sold five times its usual volume.
"Customers have shared plans to enjoy Sir Sam Neill’s movies with a glass of his pinot noir," said Moore Wilson’s general manager Amanda Thompson.
"Others are stocking up the cellar, and some of the cafes and restaurants were putting up a blackboard special to celebrate his life."
Two Paddocks general manager Jacqui Murphy stated that Neill considered sharing great wine with family and friends a sign of living well.
"I’m sure he would regret the reason they needed to do this, but he talked about wine being about conviviality, connecting people," Murphy said.
