Taste of Auckland 2013

Claudia serving customers at Taste of Auckland When I got an email from Katy asking if I wanted to go to Taste of Auckland, I was sitting at my desk dreaming about not being at my desk, so I immediately said yes! This was such a good opportunity to represent the brand I love the most at one of the most prestigious Food and Wine…
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Nautilus Pinot & Silere Merino

Last week I had the privilege of attending a 6 course degustation dinner featuring Silere alpine origin merino.  Yes not only do these high country sheep produce remarkable wool but they taste pretty good as well.  Hosted by Silere at Hummingbird Eatery & Bar in Wellington with the very talented Chef Glen Taylor in the kitchen we were in for a treat.  Over the 6…
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Pinot Noir vertical tasting

It’s been a busy day today at Nautilus. CJ’s been invited to attend the launch lunch (try saying that after a couple of vinos) of Silere Merino (did you know Merino sheep are not only great for wool, they are also the tastiest breed of meat?) in a couple of weeks at Hummingbird in Wellington. We’ve just had a glimpse of the menu and it…
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Trophy for Nautilus Chardonnay

I was delighted to collect the chardonnay trophy for our 2011 Nautilus chardonnay at the Speiglau Wine Competiton on friday night.  From 177 entries the judges (with impeccable taste I must say) found our wine top – interestingly the other 6 gold medals also went to Marlborough chardonnays.  I do think quality chardonnay grown in Marlborough is underated and too often overlooked.  Gone are the…
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UK winemakers tour

I am almost home from a hectic 2 week tour of the UK, with a small group of antipodian winemakers (2 kiwis, 4 aussies) and what a great 2 weeks it has been.  Travelling from Edinburgh to Manchester to London to Bristol then Glasgow, Whitby, Dartmouth and back to London showing off the wines of Nautilus Estate. This was the 1st time we have had…
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Family of Twelve Masterclasses in Melbourne

The Family of Twelve – Twelve family owned wineries representing a cross section of the best kiwi wines – will be visiting Melbourne for a series of masterclasses on Tuesday 30th October. Nautilus will be represented by the eminent Clive Weston (do not get caught drinking with this man after midnight…) and other family members along for the ride will include Judy Finn of Neudorf,…
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Marlborough Pinot Styles

You all know we are pretty passionate about Pinot Noir here at Nautilus. Especially pinots that come from our beloved Marlborough region. Check out this video of a Family of Twelve masterclass held at the London International Wine Fair earlier this year. The masterclass focused on regional styles of Pinot in NZ and this section shows me giving an overview of the Marlborough wines included…
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UK Winemaker’s Tour September 2012

I always love coming to the UK – my English parents immigrated to New Zealand in the 50’s so our family has a lot of connections there and every time I visit, London feels more familiar and welcoming. NZ and the UK have so much in common (love of fish and chips, rugby, and Olympic rowing success) that trips to the UK are enjoyable rather…
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Grapes on a train!!!

All aboard! On September 16th, around 50 sommeliers, journalists, bloggers and winemakers boarded a train in New York City, bound for the beautiful city of Montreal, via a 9 hour journey to New Zealand – or at least a journey through NZ’s wines, courtesy of the Complexity NZ wine project. What an innovative concept – it certainly peaked the interest of the New York wine scene. The…
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Local pinot noir celebration held at Cloudy Bay Winery

Saturday was a fairly grey, rainy day here in Blenheim. So what better way to pass the day, than holed up in the barrel hall at Cloudy Bay with various wine industry colleagues and customers, tasting a selection of the best 2009 pinots, followed by a fantastic meal created by chef Des Harris from Auckland’s Clooney Restaurant. The tasting was led by Cloudy Bay winemaker…
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