Nautilus Estate is a Marlborough winery defined by elegance, continuity, and thoughtful winemaking. Established in 1985 and still family-owned under the aegis of The Hill-Smith Family Vineyards, Nautilus has quietly built a reputation for wines that reflect both Marlborough’s brightness and its growing sophistication. From Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay to fine-boned Pinot Noir and Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling, the estate’s strength lies in crafting wines that are expressive without excess — composed, detailed, and grounded in place.

The estate draws fruit from its own sustainably farmed vineyards across Wairau, Awatere, and Southern Valleys, including the clay-rich soils of Renwick and the more mineral, cooler sites of Awatere. Each subregion contributes something unique — tropical lift, saline edge, structural tension — and the winemaking team, led by Clive Jones, brings over two decades of continuity and quiet precision to the process.

Nautilus operates two purpose-built wineries: one for aromatic whites and one entirely dedicated to Pinot Noir — a rare investment that allows total control over small-lot vinification and tailored handling. Fermentations are mostly spontaneous, élevage is restrained and careful, and oak is always supportive rather than dominant. Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling wines are aged on lees for extended periods, showing the same patience and craft found across the range.

The wines are bright, layered, and thoughtfully structured. Sauvignon Blanc is taut and textural — citrus, kaffir lime, wet stone — more mineral than overtly tropical. Pinot Noir is aromatic and composed, with cherry, forest floor, and fine tannins shaped by gentle extraction and French oak. Chardonnay offers white peach, almond meal, and flint, with length and precision. The Cuvée Brut NV, crafted in traditional Champagne style, is all lifted lemon peel, toasted brioche, and chalky persistence.

What defines Nautilus Estate is its quiet harmony — a winery that values craft over volume, and reflection over trend.

These are wines that speak not of statement, but of balance — carefully tuned to their sites, and crafted with the calm confidence of experience.