Neil Empson, Chairman and Co-founder of Empson & Co. and a pioneering importer of Italian fine wine, died Sept. 14 after a long battle with cancer. He was 85. A native of New Zealand, Empson founded his initial Milan-based exporter Empson & Co. in 1972, followed by Empson USA in 1991 and Empson Canada in 2000. With his wife and business partner Maria, the duo built the company, first importing Italian fine wines in the U.S. and expanding the portfolio to include offerings from Oregon, California, New Zealand and Chile. His daughter Tara Empson is now Owner and CEO of Empson & Co., Empson USA and Empson Canada. “My dad was my rock and mentor. He was dedicated to my mom, our family, the company and the wineries he represented,” said Empson.