"So I think he would think it was very apt, and he’d be even more excited that they were, of course, drinking his Two Paddocks."
Dean McHenry, general manager at distributor Negociants New Zealand, noted an upswing in demand across the nation over the past week.
"I just think it shows what he meant to us as a nation at the bottom of the world," McHenry stated.
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Charity Donations Surge
Anti-mining group Sustainable Tarras received over NZ$20,000 (£10,300) in unexpected donations after Neill's death.
Neill had previously joined the group to oppose an open-cast goldmine project in the Dunstan mountains near his vineyard, claiming it would destroy the region.
Supporters left messages with their contributions promising to continue the environmental fight in his honor.
"In honour of the great Sam Neill and for everyone against this ugly idea," wrote one donor.
"For Sam. We will carry on fighting in your name," another donor added.
"Donating in memory of Sam Neill, a man of integrity and honour who would want you to continue the fight against this appalling assault on such a wonderful landscape," expressed a fan from Scotland.
Sustainable Tarras chair Suze Keith noted that Neill's involvement helped the group hire experts to contest the mine proposal.
"It’s just so tragic to have lost him … It’s so encouraging so many people have come out to say: ‘keep it up, keep it up these efforts, let us help you keep up these efforts’.
It is really quite a remarkable thing," Keith said.
Dunstan Hospital Foundation in Central Otago, where Neill underwent cancer treatment, also received international donations alongside personal messages reflecting his impact.
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"These have included some special, heartfelt messages of how important Sir Sam was to them and how important this hospital is," said chief executive Hayley Anderson.
