We talk with Rachael Carter of SOHO Wines to find out about the motivation behind these award-winning wines, what her vision is for the brand and why she loves living in Herne Bay.
I previously owned a successful company that manufactured wine screw-caps for 97% of wineries in New Zealand. At the time my father was involved with a winery that more or less dropped him in it and decided not to take the fruit from his Marlborough and Waiheke Island vineyards. I made a decision to sell the screw-cap plant, take all his grapes from his vineyards and launch a very unique wine brand that reflected the people drinking the wine. I’ve always said wine is about the end user and that is certainly the essence of SOHO.
What was the inspiration behind the name SOHO?
I didn’t want to name it after a rock, a hill, mountain or lake. I wanted my brand to resonate with the people drinking it. Our tag line is ‘Our Passion Is Wine, Our Muse Is You’. If I think about the best time I have had in my life it would be in SOHO New York. SOHO conjures up entertainment, fun, fashion, quality, great eateries - and my brand hopefully reflects this too. I love the name graphically and people always remember it.
Tell us about the brands' values and vision.
My vision has always been for SOHO to be served in the best bars and restaurants around the world. To achieve this you need excellent grapes, exceptional winemakers coupled with an outstanding team. SOHO has won 59 gold medals in just seven vintages - we are a small but dynamic team and we put our heart and soul into SOHO.
Each of our wines has a unique quality - the creation process begins with the name, followed by the personality of the wine and then of course the flavour. I’m particularly excited about our new rosé ‘Pink Sheep’ - it’s an exceptional example of a pure, vibrant classy New Zealand rosé. With the release of Pink Sheep we are donating 50 cents per bottle sold worldwide to supporting mental health in New Zealand, partnering with ‘The Key to Life’ charitable trust. This is an important initiative for us and we hope the public get on board.*
What is your most memorable achievement to date?
Definitely this year winning the double trophy for ‘Best Pinot Noir’ in New Zealand at the world’s finest and most meticulously judged wine competition - The International Wine Challenge in London.
What do you love most about living in Herne Bay?
The community. We support one another on a professional and personal level. I love the fact everyone knows everyone - such a great bunch of people you can rely on. It is a very caring community and full of our four-legged friends (which is a great thing).
What are your favourite places to visit in Ponsonby/Herne Bay ?
Any restaurant or bar that serves SOHO of course - and we have so many great supporters in the area, I’m spoilt for choice. To be honest, I don’t go out much these days, but my favourite restaurant at the moment is Azabu. I always start my day with a coffee from Laura at 5 Loaves and my household supplies would predominantly come from the awesome people at Herne Bay Cellars and Jervois Road Foodmarket. As an animal lover, I enjoy walks with my dog Bob Obama and the Westhaven boardwalk is such a cool transformation of our beautiful waterfront linking Ponsonby/Herne Bay to the city.
"We are aware that being a wine company and providing funding to support mental health and prevent youth suicide could be seen as controversial. However, I hope that people can look past this and see that we are a family wine company who actually wants to make a difference and lower the suicide rate.”