Rachael Carter is one of the many women in wine who I admire in Aotearoa New Zealand. She founded Soho Wine Co and has built a strong wine brand by employing outstanding winemakers, sourcing grapes from regions that span the country from Waiheke Island in the sunny north to Central Otago in the majestic deep south. Her wines are named after the people and pets she loves. These include Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen, among many others. She walks the talk of selling wine in a market that is more accustomed to traditional labels than the bold take-no-prisoners branding of Soho Wine Co. And that is exactly what I love about Carter's brand - it takes no prisoners. Carter has ambition and a love of wine but above all, she's tenacious. And that's worth raising a glass to.
She shared a glass of the 2021 Soho JC Reserve red with me this week and talked about life as a woman in wine today.
Wine of the week
2021 Soho JC Reserve Waiheke Blend RRP $150
Powerful, plush and plummy, this is a dark berried blend led by Merlot 58% with the rich, ripe, dark fruited density of the late ripening Petit Verdot 21%, supported by the suppleness of Malbec 7%, spicy fruited Cabernet Franc 7% and a smidgeon of Syrah 1%.
Full body, dry, pronounced acidity brings a moderate to cool climate to mind in this lush wine, which clearly has a long life ahead.
Five minutes with... Rachael Carter, founder of Soho Wine Co
What year did you establish Soho Wines?
2009.
Is it family owned or owned entirely by you?
It was started by me but my mother and brothers own it with me.
What is the most rewarding aspect of owning and setting up a wine company?
That we are so different to everyone else and have succeeded in a tough conservative market. With full respect for the traditional winemaking process, we have really challenged the traditional wine packaging and marketing with stylish, contemporary branding. All of my wines have names and are inspired by the people and pets I love. Soho allows me to bring these personalities to life, embodied in gorgeous award-winning wines.
What's new at Soho?
Our new Waiheke Cellar Door and Eatery where Soho Family has really come to life and my inspirations are shared and enjoyed.
What’s the most challenging aspect?
Certain people for sure. Rather than name these disappointments, I can simply say in a world as challenging as the one we live in, why would anyone go out of their way to create unnecessary problems for another person? I could count on one hand the people who have made my Soho life incredibly tough at times however we have gotten through it.
How do you handle tough situations?
I am a big believer that sometimes you have to go through the mud to grow the Lotus Flower, which blossoms in the mud, producing the most noble, beautiful flower.
No mud, no lotus.
