The winery
Nautilus Estate
Family-owned winery based in Renwick in the Marlborough region of New Zealand, known for a textured style of Sauvignon Blanc and cool-climate white and red wines designed for food.
- Marlborough · Nuova Zelanda
- Since 1985
- 4 products
The story
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.
Production philosophy
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.
Terroir and vineyards
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.
Awards and recognition
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.
Characteristics
- Grape varieties
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Noir
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Gris
- Albarino
- Bottles per year
- 300000
What makes it distinctive
- Family-run winery that first vinified Sauvignon Blanc in 1985.
- Collection focused on balance, texture and food pairing.
- Our own vineyards are distributed across Wairau Valley, Opawa, Kaituna, Lanark Lane, Clay Hills and Korohi.
- Production of traditional-method wines and limited releases.
