Negociants UK has taken on the widespread distribution for the premium Two Paddocks range of wines from Central Otago, New Zealand, produced by actor Sam Neill.
Under the agreement Negociants UK will look to widen the reach of Neill's wines in both the independent and off-trades.
It will not, however, end Neill's long standing relationship with Haynes, Hanson and Clark as it will continue to work with its existing client base and look at distribution through small private clients, online via its website and selected restaurants.
Negociants UK stressed to Harpers.co.uk that it would "respect" HHC's distribution channels and "only work with new on-premise and selected independent wine merchant distribution".
Neill was in London last week to help promote his wines and conduct a series of trade and consumer tastings to showcase his range of premium Pinot Noir and Riesling wines produced from what he claims are the southern most vineyards in the world situated in Central Otago on New Zealand's South Island.
Neill told Harpers.co.uk he was firmly committed to his wine exploits and it gave him great pride to think that when he set out making wine in 1993 he would be able to produce Pinot Noir of the quality and prestige to equal some of the best Burgundian Pinot Noirs.
In particular he believes the 2010 Two Paddocks vintage is arguably the best Pinot Noir he has ever produced.
As to the secret of good winemaking he said it had to be a combination of the land, the location, the climate, the terroir, but what he called the "ghost in the machine" which he puts down to the feeling and the connection that the winemaker and his team have with the vines and subsequent wines that they make.
The range of wines include Two Paddocks Picnic (Riesling and Pinot Noir), Two Paddocks (Riesling and Pinot Noir) and two super premium wines that he only produces during very good vintages, the First Paddocks Pinot Noir and Last Chance Pinot Noir.
You can read a full interview with Neill in the December edition of Harpers and an extended version here on Harpers.co.uk.