There seems to be an underlying theme of music with your wine brand?
True, my Dali-inspired wine label is called Solicantus – Mélodie du Sol, which means “song of the soil”. My book, Vineyard Melody carries the same spirit, it’s about the melody of the vines that healed me. Melody for me, in both the book and my wine, represents unplanned harmony. The idea for Solicantus was birthed when I was creating a wine label for a client. Later, when I met Corinne Chevrier, the brilliant winemaker from Blaye – I knew immediately that she’d be the perfect partner to bring Solicantus to life.
What would you be doing if you weren’t in the wine business?
Truthfully, it has been five years of utter madness. Some great highs and some humble learnings, but I've trained myself to take each day as it comes. The world of wine is now an integral part of my new life and will remain so. I’ve added on writing and painting to fuel my creativity and am passionate about fighting for women’s, children’s and animal rights. I might open a vegetarian restaurant in Bordeaux (someday).
What are the three most important lessons you’ve learnt in this business?
The first is perseverance. Nothing comes easy in life, but the essence to success is perseverance. You have good days, you have bad days, but you need to keep pushing forward.
The second, is our ability to adapt - to be mentally flexible to respond to this ever-changing economic landscape.
The third, is listening to your inner voice. As humans we are so caught up with our ideas and strategies that we tend to ignore our precious internal guide which naturally steers us to the right decisions.
What qualities do you most admire in a person?
Humility and empathy. I believe these are the greatest traits of being human. It's not the wealth or the fame that should define a person but their values.
What inspired you to make giving back a core value of your business?
In 2017, I was in a major car accident in Bordeaux – I crashed into the windscreen of my car. Miraculously, I managed to walk away with very minor injuries. This miracle made me wonder if there was a higher purpose to my life. I realised how my family supported my education, which was the stepping stone to this new life and since then I have wished the same for every girl. So, when I launched Wine Equation, I committed a portion of all sales of my wine and (now) my upcoming book to the Mukul Madhav Foundation set up by Ritu Chabbria to uplift girls in India with access to education and development opportunities. I genuinely believe that education is a tool for freedom.
If you had to start over, what would you do differently?
Nothing at all!
If you could make wine anywhere in the world (apart from Bordeaux) where would you go?
The Azores. They’re enchanting, mystical, alluring.... and underrated. There are some amazing bold, bright and racy wines made on the islands, but not easily found around the world.
What is your favourite feel-good film for a cold evening under a duvet with a glass of wine?
The 100-Foot Journey. It talks about an Indian family whose restaurant burns down in Mumbai, and they move to Provence and buy a run-down house in front of a Michelin star restaurant and turn it into an Indian restaurant. It’s a story of how snobbery and superiority are overcome by love. Then there’s The Good Year and Under the Tuscan Sun. Perhaps it’s a shared journey of transformation, finding beauty, meaning and love in unexpected places that comfort me… These films celebrate food, wine, landscapes and the value of human connection.
What’s your favourite meal / food / that evokes the fondest memories of growing up?
Soulful Tomato Rasam with rice. I just love it.
Sounds delicious, what’s in it and what wine would you pair with it?
Tomato Rasam is a soupy South Indian staple - a tangy, aromatic dish made with ripe tomatoes, tamarind, fresh curry leaves, mustard seeds, garlic, and homemade rasam powder – (every home has its own secret mix). My mother’s recipe is the best (I’m biased).
The Solicantus Blanc - herbal and zesty citrus notes from the Sauvignon(s) coupled with the peach and tropical fruit from the muscadelle would be a perfect match. The wine has steely minerality that can balance the tomato acids and the black pepper, and the deeper tropical notes will elevate the fragrant spices and curry leaves.
Ruchira Neotia DipWSET is a London-based drinks consultant, presenter and founder of Ruchira’s Table. Named among the Top 100 Most Influential Figures in the UK Drinks Industry (2025), she drives growth and innovation for wine and spirits brands, curates high-profile dining collaborations, and is a respected judge, writer and speaker across the global drinks trade.
