40 Years of Craft, Care & Marlborough Excellence

In 1985, when Marlborough’s wine industry was still in its formative years, Nautilus Estate set out to create wines that captured the beauty, precision, and balance of its namesake shell. From the beginning, our focus has been simple yet unwavering: to craft expressive, textural wines with meticulous attention to detail, always true to their place.

Over four decades, we have refined our vineyards, matching each grape variety to its ideal site. From our Renwick Vineyard Chardonnay, first produced in 1989, to Pinot Noir from our Clay Hills Vineyard in the celebrated Southern Valleys, each wine reflects the unique character of its terroir. Sauvignon Blanc remains our iconic expression, joined over the years by pioneering releases—premium méthode traditionnelle in 1991, Pinot Gris in 2000, and Albariño in 2014.

At the heart of our philosophy is food-friendliness: wines made to shine on their own yet crafted with the table in mind, designed to enhance—and be enhanced by—thoughtful pairings. Long-time winemaker Clive Jones leads our pursuit of balance, structure, and sustainability, working closely with a community of local growers who share our respect for the land.

Forty years on, Nautilus remains proudly family-owned and intentionally small, producing only 100% Marlborough wines. Our spirit of exploration endures—rooted in tradition, yet always evolving.

Join us in celebrating this milestone and raising a glass to the next chapter of Nautilus: a story of craft, care, and a deep love for Marlborough.