Winery Nautilus Estate

Nautilus Estate began producing wine in the 1980s and released its first Sauvignon Blanc in 1985. Over time the estate — associated with the Hill‑Smith family — has expanded its presence across several parcels in Marlborough, developing a range that includes traditional-method sparkling wines and a Pinot Noir program with a dedicated cellar for the gentle handling of the grapes.

The wines are inspired by the form and balance of the nautilus shell: the goal is to achieve precision, structure and texture, with an emphasis on expressive, balanced wines that pair well with food.

Production comes from several vineyards in Marlborough, distributed across the Wairau Valley, the Southern Valleys and the Awatere area. Among the vineyards owned or managed are Renwick, Opawa, Kaituna, Lanark Lane, Korohi and Clay Hills. Individual vineyards provide distinct components for the brand's blends and varietal ranges.

High industry ratings. In 2025 the winemaker Clive Jones was named a New Zealand Winegrowers Fellow; the winery regularly receives positive reviews from international publications and distributors.