Actor and wine champion Sam Neill dies aged 78

Sam Neill, the acclaimed actor and founder of Two Paddocks winery in Central Otago, has died aged 78. Neill was a passionate advocate for New Zealand wine for over 30 years, consistently promoting Central Otago as a world-class Pinot Noir region comparable to Burgundy. Just days before his death, he was named a Fellow of New Zealand Winegrowers in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the industry.