Our Ethos
“It is a privilege to create a product that embraces camaraderie, stands steadfast in celebration & offers solace in commiseration.”
Rachael Carter
Soho's Founder
As a youngster, Rachael Carter worked under the leadership of her late father, John Carter, a pioneer of the New Zealand Wine Industry. Rachael went on to manufacture screwcaps for the New Zealand Wine Industry. With her unbashful marketing style her famous slogan was BEST SCREW ON THE PLANET. Having sold that business with a 98% market share, she then took her on her father’s growing portfolio of vineyards & created her own wine brand.
Driven to build a standout boutique wine label that challenged the traditional wine branding norms, she created SOHO FAMILY Vineyards. Award-winning wines encapsulated in stylish, contemporary branding followed. Her vision was simple: to be served in the best bars & restaurants in the world.
Her quest for gold medals and champion trophies has earned the brand reverence.
Utilising the Carter family vineyards, along with other boutique estates across three key New Zealand Wine regions, SOHO produces wines from Waiheke Island, Marlborough & Central Otago. Each wine in the portfolio has a unique name & inspiration, creating its own distinctive style & personality.
SOHO FAMILY is a reflection of our life, and the amazing people & pets we share this journey with.
Our Vineyards
Waiheke Island
CARTER FAMILY ONETANGI JOMARA VINEYARD
Tucked into the hillside of the Onetangi Valley on Waiheke, the north-west facing aspect of the Carter Vineyard is protected from the cold Southerly winds. The marginal clay soils help to delay ripening, retain acidity, and intensify the flavours. The average vine age is now approximately 18 years, the depth and richness from which is reflected in the wines.
Marlborough
CARTER FAMILY ORGANIC-CERTIFIED YARRUM & JOMARA VINEYARDS
Marlborough’s consistent unrushed growing season, long bright summer days, temperate Pacific breeze & cool nights preserve the bright fruit characters, which result in the ability to produce crisp, zesty whites & suave, mouth-filling cool climate reds. Varietals: Sauvignon Blanc (principle), Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling & Rosé.
Central Otago
Clutha Ridge Vineyards
SOHO utilises vineyards throughout the Cromwell basin from the elevated, warm terraces of Bendigo to the cooler, moderated Queensberry area. This sub-regional combination provides complexity of aroma and flavour as well as the perfect balance of power and elegance in Pinot Noir.
Our Vineyards
Waiheke Island
CARTER FAMILY ONETANGI JOMARA VINEYARD
Tucked into the hillside of the Onetangi Valley on Waiheke, the north-west facing aspect of the Carter Vineyard is protected from the cold Southerly winds. The marginal clay soils help to delay ripening, retain acidity, and intensify the flavours. The average vine age is now approximately 18 years, the depth and richness from which is reflected in the wines.
Marlborough
CARTER FAMILY ORGANIC-CERTIFIED YARRUM & JOMARA VINEYARDS
Marlborough’s consistent unrushed growing season, long bright summer days, temperate Pacific breeze & cool nights preserve the bright fruit characters, which result in the ability to produce crisp, zesty whites & suave, mouth-filling cool climate reds. Varietals: Sauvignon Blanc (principle), Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling & Rosé.
Central Otago
Clutha Ridge Vineyards
SOHO utilises vineyards throughout the Cromwell basin from the elevated, warm terraces of Bendigo to the cooler, moderated Queensberry area. This sub-regional combination provides complexity of aroma and flavour as well as the perfect balance of power and elegance in Pinot Noir.
Our Winemakers
Pete Turner
Waiheke Island & Marlborough Winemaker
SOHO’s Marlborough & Waiheke Winemaker, Pete Turner, believes wines must wear their hearts and roots on their sleeves. “In the winery, we try to awaken a wine’s true personality but also add character and interest.”
Slightly obsessive compulsive (in a strangely relaxed way), Pete’s approach to life and wine has always been about the experience and the now! Running, hitting the Waiheke waves with his daughters, and enjoying good food and wine with mates are all elements of a perfect day – everyday!
Matt Connell
Central Otago Winemaker
Flavoursome, complex and balanced could describe Matt Connell’s personality, much like his wines. With a mantelpiece dripping in gold bling, when it comes to Pinot Noir, Matt has the Midas Touch.
His Zen connection to the Central Otago winelands allows him to seek out and express the best qualities from every site and every vintage. Make no mistake, behind the laid-back, nice image Matt has grand expectations. Expect only the finest.