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Welcome to Eaton Wines

Our Winemaking Philosophy is very simple.

Our winemaking is about respecting the fruit, allowing wild yeasts to
ferment the wines naturally.

With all the work done in the vineyards, we allow the wines to develop naturally in barrel.

We make just 400-500 cases of wine annually to celebrate the season and the unique vineyard sites where we source and care for our fruit.

Eaton Wines was established in 2014 with the goal of making age-worthy and complex wines from New Zealands best sites.

My involvement in the New Zealand wine industry goes right back to 1981 when Marlborough was just beginning its surge onto the international wines scene.

Along with my wife Jo, we established the Pinot Noir vineyards of Clayvin, Clay Hills and Calrossie.

I have been fortunate enough to have worked alongside inspiring winemakers like Mike Weersing, Mike Just here in NZ.

I have also had the pleasure of working in the Loire with the Pinard family and in Burgundy with Nicolas Rosignol. These experiences have all influenced the way I make my wines today and I am thankful for the time taken and experiences shared.

Consulting to over 2000ha, I manage the nutrition and disease programs for premium growers throughout New Zealand. From among these growers, I select small

parcels from exceptional sites and makes wines in small batches to best reflect their unique characteristics.

These selected areas are hand-tended by our family.

Mathew Jukes

“The Eaton Family Wines are the epitome of the expression ‘hand-made’ and every single decision is thought through with forensic attention to detail.”

Rebecca Gibb, Vinous Media

“The winemaking is quirky and the resulting style left of center, so these bottlings would suit those who love unconventional wines.”

Jo Burzinska - Viva NZ Herald

2024 Viva Top 50 Wineries of NZ 2024 – “great sites and sensitive winemaking…that blossom with age.”

Aromas of stone-fruit and cashew and warm bread.

The palate is seamless, full-bodied richness which is supported by finely focused acidity.

Forte – The use of Cigar and large 600L barrels, extended skin contact and lees stirring means the wine is very expressive.

A distinctive wine that is not intended to be subtle.

Thistle Hill is a unique vineyard site that was once mineral rich seasbed that has been lifted up by constant earthquake activity to form a gentle north-facing hillside some 230m above seas level on the eastern coast of Marlborough New Zealand.

A special reflection of Sauvignon Blanc

Hillside grown low yielding Pinot Noir from the Omaka Valley, New Zealand. 1Kg/vine, hand harvested and fermented in 3 small open-top fermenters with 25-50% whole bunch components. Aged if french oak for 9 months before blending and bottling unfined and unfiltered.

Reviews

James Suckling - Score 93

" layers of preserved lemons, flint and pastry. ...precise acidity and creamy texture, showing notes of ruby grapefruit, poached apples and orange blossoms. Tightly wound but generous. Drink or hold.

Cameron Douglas MS - 94 pts

"aromas of toasty barrel, freshly roasted nut, peach and baked apple, citrus and baking spices...

James Suckling - Score 92

"spiced poached apples and quince. .....creamy mouthfeel and focused acidity, ...powerful"

Cameron Douglas MS

" purity, freshness and lift with a core ... of citrus and dried herb, lemon and quince, peach .... .... salivating acidity and a lengthy generous finish"

TOP WINES of 2023 Cameron Douglas MS Score 96

Decanter NZ SB tasting - 91pts

Metro Dec 2024 - Top 50 Wines of NZ

Vinous - Rebecca Gibb 91pts

"Thistle Hill Vineyard is a serious, boundary pushing Sauvignon Blanc, Firm but balanced acidity gives the wine a real purpose and seriousness."

2024 Viva Top 50

2024 Metro Mag Top 50 wines of NZ

James Suckling - Score 91

Complex... lemon balm, grapefruit rind, bell peppers and asparagus....focused acidity and creamy texture,...Atypical in style with a powerful character.

James Suckling - Score 95

"Perfumed and floral aromas of wild raspberries, violets and cinnamon bark. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of blood oranges, lead pencil and dried herbs. Elegant and refined with an underlying power."

Cameron Douglas MS - Score 94

"Aromas and flavours of fleshy dark red fruits and Dorris plums, five spices and mineral qualities. Acidity medium+ with fine long-chained tannins along with barrel toast and spice qualities....well made, complex and tasty. Drink now to 2032+"