Boss Life: Wine business founder cites Pope Francis as a key influence

Wednesday, 22 October 2025

Rachael Carter is the founder and managing director of Soho Family Vineyards, a New Zealand wine company established in 2009.

What was your most formative life experience?

Being a mother. My daughter Maren was a beautiful, unplanned surprise and she is without doubt my absolute world. It’s so silly but hearing her singing happily away in the shower every night and her ability to make me laugh totally fills my cup. I am Godmother to many, but never did I ever think I would be a mother; a dog mother for sure, but a mother to a little girl has been life changing for me. She has softened me and yet she’s my strength.

Like any business, running Soho can be extremely challenging at times, and she is the one that grounds me. There are times when I would like to give it all up, but my daughter always tells me “you are no quitter Mum, and I know you will regret it”. And so here I am.

Who is your most inspirational figure, and why?

Pope Francis. I was brought up in a strict Catholic household, something which I am truly grateful for as it entrenched in me a deep belief of a greater good. However, like with many religions, there was always a type of conditioning to think a certain way.

I think Pope Francis broke the mold in this sense. He was the essence of compassion, kindness and inclusion. For me, he made me want to be a better person and be more open-minded, something I had often struggled with. I can now gladly say I have become more open and accepting about many things in life. He really was such a great leader that led with his heart and often I am reminded of his saying “never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope”.

Favourite book?

I’m probably in the 1% percent of people over 40 who don't really enjoy reading. In saying that, one of my favourite people is comedian Chelsea Handler (a voracious reader herself) and she often talks about a book called Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender by David R Hawkins. I needed this book at a time in my life where I couldn’t ‘let go’ of something and this book taught me the inner mechanism of surrender, which is no easy feat for someone who is wired like me.

As a leader, how would you address a toxic work culture?

It might not be considered conventional best practice, but I would get everyone involved around a table and flesh it out until we came to an agreement on a way forward. I’d say I’m pretty intolerant of toxic people but unfortunately they do appear from time to time, and as the company’s leader, it is your job to sort out and fix things, as hard as it can be. Fortunately, most of the staff at Soho have been with me for 10-15 years and I would like to think we have a great work culture.

Hardest decision ever?

Having to say goodbye to my devoted four-legged friends over the years. My dalmatian dog Maximilian (Max) was the most incredible dog who was with us for 14 years. Our next dog was a cheeky but complicated Portuguese Water Dog called Bob who was with us for nine years. Bob was born with crooked hocks and was very protective around his back legs, so I needed to watch him closely. They say dogs let you know when they need to go and, in their own ways, they both did. Two of my hardest decisions ever, but it's a love that outlives the years.

Should billionaires exist?

Yes, for sure. I don’t believe we should judge people based on their wealth, but we should judge them on their generosity of heart. Like with all humans, there are billionaires who are the best people and billionaires who are the worst people.

If I was a billionaire, I would…

Be exactly who I am today, except I would have more money to help people that needed it. I would be in a better position to look after the people in my life who have been kind and supportive of me and my little family. Outside of that I would start a charitable trust to help kids, people and animals that need help. When I was young, I always wanted to start a charity where I would provide someone in need with a dog and call it the Unconditional Love Foundation.

What is the one thing that could happen in New Zealand tomorrow that would make life better for the most people?

A great, working healthcare system.

Bio: Rachael began her career working with her late father, John Carter, a pioneer of the New Zealand wine industry, before founding one of the country’s first wine screwcap manufacturing plants. After selling that business, Rachael created Soho, which produces wines from Waiheke Island, Marlborough and Central Otago, and has just officially launched its Waiheke Island Cellar Door.