Soho Wine Co is based on the outrageously beautiful Waiheke Island - a tropical paradise in the Hauraki Gulf, about 40 minutes' boat ride from Auckland city where the temperature is warm, the beaches look pristine and the undulating landscape is home to vast tropical plants worthy of a place on any Californian film set. So it's understandable that Soho founder and owner, Rachael Carter, would choose to have a cellar door home base for her brand on Waiheke but her family also owns a vineyard there, hence the name of the Chardonnay in these reviews.

This latest bunch of new releases from Soho also includes wines from Central Otago and two different areas in the Marlborough wine region.

New reviews of Soho Wines

17.5/20
2025 Soho Pink Sheep Rosé, Marlborough RRP $28

Here's a dry rosé with charm and freshness in equal measure, thanks to its light rose pink hue and enticing aromas of wild strawberry, watermelon and floral notes. The name Pink Sheep pays homage to mental health charities - as does 50 cents of the sale price of every bottle ($6 per case) of this wine, which goes to mental health charities. This is dry with a light body and depth of flavour that makes it a good choice to enjoy in the sunshine with food such as mushroom paté and sourdough.

17.5/20
2025 Soho Maren Organic Riesling, Marlborough RRP $32

A special grape variety and a special wine - Maren is the daughter of Rachael Carter; the founder and owner of Soho Wines and this fresh young, certified organic (Bio-Gro NZ) Riesling is a standout expression of Marlborough’s cooler subregion - the Awatere Valley.
 Aromas of lime blossom, green apple and a touch of honeysuckle reflect purity of fruit while  phenolic grip adds texture and length. The finish is long and this wine drinks well now, lightly chilled, but will come into its own over the next four to five years, unfolding layers of ripe citrus flavours over that time.

18.5/20
2024 Soho Carter Chardonnay, Waiheke Island RRP $60

Carter Chardonnay captures the coastal elegance of Waiheke Island's subtropical climate shines in its crisp and creamy layers of flavour with aromas of ripe grapefruit, lemon curd and smooth notes of subtle caramel. Its finely tuned complexity comes from barrel fermentation, which brings toasted cashew and subtle oak integration to every sip.

17.5/20
2023 Soho Mara Méthode Rosé Brut, Waiheke Island RRP $60

If the packaging doesn't allure you, the taste most definitely will in Mara - the second traditional method sparkling rosé from Soho, which combines elegance with energy. Light salmon in colour, this wine has aromas of wild raspberry, fresh sourdough and a creamy taste on the crisp, dry finish. It has a long flavoursome finish and a creamy texture.

18.5/20
2024 Soho McQueen Pinot Noir, Central Otago RRP $60

A polished, expressive Pinot Noir that captures the intensity and elegance of Central Otago with aromas of black cherry, subtle red plums and a floral depth of taste that is underpinned by earthy mushroom aromas and subtle oak. The palate is silky and concentrated with finely tuned tannins and vibrant acidity framing fruit flavours. This is a wine of balance and depth, with a long, layered finish. It drinks well now and is especially well suited to mushroom risotto.