Soho Sauvignon Blanc

Soho Sauvignon Blanc is a Marlborough, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc produced by the boutique SOHO Family Vineyards in a standard 750ml bottle. Founded in 2008 by Rachael Carter, SOHO has become one of New Zealand's most awarded boutique wine companies, with winemaker Dave Clouston accumulating 26 gold medals for the label since the 2010 vintage.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~13% (typical for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc; verify label for exact figure)  |  Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand  |  Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc  |  Producer: SOHO Family Vineyards

Production & Heritage

SOHO Family Vineyards was established in 2008 by Rachael Carter with a philosophy rooted in what the winery describes as an unconventional ethos and raw creativity, while still respecting traditional winemaking processes. The Sauvignon Blanc fruit is sourced from the estate's Jomara and Yarrum vineyards on the southern side of the Wairau Valley, where vines are planted on free-draining silty clay loam soils. Marlborough's long, bright summer days paired with cool Pacific breezes and cold nights contribute to preserving the bright fruit characters the region is renowned for. Winemaker Dave Clouston, who also works with Two Rivers in Marlborough, oversees production.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Expect the hallmarks of Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc — lifted tropical fruit aromatics layered with citrus blossom and subtle herbaceous undertones. The cool-climate growing conditions tend to amplify the aromatic intensity typical of southern Marlborough fruit.

Taste: The palate opens with bright passionfruit and grapefruit, moving into a focused mid-palate of gooseberry and lime zest. Crisp, driving acidity provides structure and keeps the fruit lively without turning tart, consistent with the silty clay loam terroir of the Wairau Valley's southern slopes.

Finish: Clean and refreshing with lingering citrus pith and a mineral thread. The finish is medium in length, with a dry, mouth-watering close that invites another sip.

How to Drink Soho Sauvignon Blanc

Serve well chilled, between 7–10°C (45–50°F), in a standard white wine glass to concentrate the aromatics. This is a wine that shines on its own as an aperitif but also has the acidity and fruit intensity to stand up in light cocktails and spritzers.

• Classic White Wine Spritzer: The bright acidity and tropical fruit hold up beautifully against soda water and a twist of lime.
• Hugo Spritz: Elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and soda — swap part of the prosecco with this Sauvignon Blanc for a more fruit-forward variation.
• New Zealand Shandy: Mix with a light pilsner and a squeeze of grapefruit for an unconventional summer serve that echoes Soho's creative ethos.

Best For

• Introducing someone to premium New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc beyond the mass-market labels
• Summer entertaining where a crowd-pleasing, food-friendly white is essential
• Gifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates boutique producers with medal-winning pedigrees
• Pairing with a fresh seafood spread or garden lunch

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Soho Sauvignon Blanc taste like? Soho Sauvignon Blanc delivers a vibrant profile of passionfruit, grapefruit, and gooseberry, supported by crisp acidity and a clean, mineral-laced finish characteristic of southern Wairau Valley fruit.

How does Soho Sauvignon Blanc compare to Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc? Both are Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs, but SOHO is a smaller, boutique-scale producer with estate vineyard fruit from the Wairau Valley's southern side, while Kim Crawford is a large-volume Constellation Brands label sourcing from broader Marlborough sites. Soho positions itself as a more artisan alternative within the same regional style.

Is Soho Sauvignon Blanc good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — its aromatic intensity and balanced acidity make it a strong standalone pour, particularly well chilled as an aperitif before a meal.

Where is Soho Sauvignon Blanc made? It is produced by SOHO Family Vineyards in Marlborough, New Zealand, with fruit sourced from the Jomara and Yarrum vineyards on the southern side of the Wairau Valley.

What foods pair well with Soho Sauvignon Blanc? Green-lipped mussels and other shellfish match the wine's mineral edge. Fresh goat cheese salads complement the acidity. Ceviche or sushi benefit from the citrus-driven fruit. Herb-crusted chicken pairs with the subtle herbaceous notes. Asparagus risotto works well, as Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is one of the few wines that flatters asparagus.

What sizes does Soho Sauvignon Blanc come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle; other format availability may vary by market and vintage.

Is Soho Sauvignon Blanc worth the price? SOHO positions as a premium boutique Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, sitting above mass-market labels like Oyster Bay and Kim Crawford but offering the estate-grown, small-production provenance and medal-winning track record that justify the step up in tier.

Why Soho Sauvignon Blanc?

In a sea of large-production Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs, SOHO stands apart through genuine boutique scale and site-specific winemaking. The fruit comes from defined estate vineyards on the southern Wairau Valley's silty clay loams — a terroir detail most volume-driven competitors do not specify. Winemaker Dave Clouston's 26-gold-medal record with the label since 2010 signals consistent quality across multiple vintages, not a single lucky year. For drinkers who enjoy the classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc profile but want it from a smaller, more intentional producer, SOHO delivers that distinction with substance behind it.