Our winemakers
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Pete Turner
SOHO’s Marlborough 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 – every day! “As winemakers, if we can help make any moment shared over a glass of wine more enjoyable, then we’ve succeeded.”
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James Rowan
James Rowan, our Waiheke Island winemaker, has won 14 gold medals & a champion trophy in the last 6 vintages for SOHO. James’ philosophy “Wine, like life, is about texture. The fruit decides the style – we just guide it down the path, teasing out the nuances, playing in the shadows”. James is one of the NZ wine industry’s true characters, his personality is like his wine, full of vigour & charm... trophies & gold medals earned are as outstanding as his facial hair!
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Matt Connell
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.