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At a Glance

• 20 fabulously consistent harvests - Al Soper is one of the most highly awarded Sauvignon Blanc wine makers in Marlborough and 2025 will mark his 20th vintage of Rain.

• Family and Friends - Al and Pete Coldwell have been friends and business partners for the better part of 18 years, they share deep family ties forged on great meals, shared vacations and have watched their daughters growing up together since birth. Al and Pete only source grapes for Rain from their vineyard owning friends to guarantee only the best fruit.

• Perfect Microclimate – in 2024 Marlborough has once again been awarded the title of "Sunniest place in NZ". The superb weather provides a perfect environment for ripening Sauvignon Blanc, but the right amount of Rainfall is just as critical, and Marlborough delivers on this too.


About Rain

Rain is a collaboration based in Marlborough between Coldwell-Soper and T. Edward, dedicated exclusively to New Zealand's premier white grape, Sauvignon Blanc. They source exclusively from sustainably managed local vineyards, crafting the grape into wines with tropical richness and lively character.

Al Soper and Pete Coldwell's partnership began in 2007 when Al offered Pete a winemaking position at Highfield in Marlborough. Since 1999, Al had been producing highly praised Sauvignon Blancs at Highfield, enhancing a career that included experiences in Oregon, Bordeaux, and Southern France.

In 2018, they established Coldwell-Soper, and seizing the opportunity to acquire the Rain brand, they embraced the chance to collaborate with local vineyard owners and produce wine precisely to their liking. The Rain brand pays homage to the critical role of balanced rainfall in Marlborough, one of New Zealand's sunniest regions.

Here, timely and moderate rainfall is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of fruit richness and acidity in Sauvignon Blanc. Al, Pete, and their network of growers are united by a commitment to quality over quantity and sustainable agriculture. Their partners minimize pesticide use and adhere to stringent water management practices, aligning with the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand certification standards.

Through Rain, Al and Pete strive to capture the essence of Marlborough's significant diurnal temperature variations, which contribute to the distinctive tropical profile of the region's Sauvignon Blanc. They adopt a minimal intervention approach in the winery, aging the wine on its lees to enhance texture, depth, and complexity.

Additional Details:

  • Producer: Coldwell Soper Limited
  • Varietals: Sauvignon Blanc
  • Organic Practice Certificates: No
  • Sustainable Practices: Yes
  • Sustainable Certificates: Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand Certified
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  • Country: New Zealand
  • Region: Marlborough
  • Sub Region: Wairau Valley

Sustainably Farmed