Soma Vines

is a compelling natural winemaking project founded by the dynamic duo Antoine Lucchesi and Daisy Merrick. Rooted in a philosophy of low-intervention and authentic expression of terroir, Soma Vines produces vibrant, living wines that reflect their passion and their European journey.

Founders and Their Journey:

• Antoine Lucchesi hails from Marseille, France, and brings a strong technical foundation to the partnership. He studied oenology at the winemaking school in Alsace, France, and gained valuable experience working at various wineries in Germany (such as Sekthaus Griesel) and France (like Domaine Brand). His deep understanding of viticulture and winemaking is central to Soma Vines' production.

• Daisy Merrick is originally from Norwich, UK. Her path into wine began in the hospitality industry, leading her to pursue the WSET Advanced certification. She honed her expertise working for well-known companies like Majestic Wine in the UK and, crucially, Chambers Street Wines in New York, where she was introduced to the world of natural wines and old vintages, profoundly shaping her approach.

Soma Vines initially began in 2018 in Berlin as an importing and distributing company, with Daisy curating a portfolio of low-intervention wines from France, Italy, and Hungary that were not yet widely represented in Germany. In 2019, Daisy met Antoine, and their shared passion for natural wine quickly blossomed into a personal and professional partnership.

The Winemaking Project:

Their first collaborative vintage under the Soma Vines label was in 2020, with the wine "Crossing Borders Pet Nat" made at Philippe Brand's winery in Alsace. This marked their evolution from importers to winemakers.

Philosophy and Practices:

Soma Vines embodies a commitment to low-intervention winemaking:

• Grape Sourcing: Initially, Antoine and Daisy sourced grapes from winemaker friends who meticulously farm their vineyards organically and biodynamically, sharing a similar philosophical outlook. Since 2023, they have secured their own rented vineyards, encompassing 4 hectares in and around Eckelsheim, Rheinhessen, Germany. Their vineyards primarily feature limestone and red sandstone soils.

• Winemaking Process:

  • Spontaneous Fermentation: They rely entirely on indigenous yeasts for fermentation.

  • No Fining, No Filtration: The wines are not fined or filtered, maintaining their natural character and texture.

  • No Added SO2 (or very low): They aim for minimal to no added sulfites in their wines, reflecting a dedication to purity and expression of the grape and terroir.

• Aging: Wines are aged in various vessels, including concrete tanks, and old oak barrels (such as 500L and 225L barrels), with a preference for old wood to avoid imparting overt oak flavors.

• Cellar Location: Their cellar is located in Rheinland-Pfalz, with their current base in Hackenheim, Rheinhessen.