About Timothy - The Story Behind Stilvi

My journey with wine began over two decades ago, but it has never just been about winemaking. It’s been a journey of becoming—of growth and grace, of daring leaps and quiet reflection. What started in 2001 in the Yarra Valley as a young man’s fascination with fermentation has since transformed into a life’s work steeped in artistry, intuition, and personal evolution.

 In the early years, I learned the rules—at Charles Sturt University, in the cellars of Barolo, and on the wild coastlines of the Mornington Peninsula. But in time, I began to unlearn them. After 21 vintages and a decade as a head winemaker, I founded Stilvi Wines—a label born from the shimmering light that emerges through seasons of change and deep growth.

 Stilvi, meaning “shimmering light,” reflects the essence of this journey. It speaks to the quiet beauty found in nature, the courage to follow your own creative path, and the light that emerges through transformation. My daughter, Kalypso, brought her own artistry to the label design—her work has been part of Stilvi’s heart and identity, and watching her grow has been one of my greatest joys. As she steps into new chapters of her own, so too does this label—ever evolving, ever becoming.

 My wines are not made by formula—they are felt, shaped by the elements and the quiet conversations I have with the fruit. I listen more than I instruct. I take cues from ancient winemakers in Georgia and Slovenia, whose stories of courage, struggle and resilience first reached me through a little podcast, and struck something deep within. I was moved by their fortitude and their refusal to conform—and I saw myself in that.

 These influences led me to amber wines: wild, unfiltered, unrefined expressions that honour both tradition and rebellion. Stilvi is about transformation—about allowing light to shine through what’s raw and real. It’s about daring to be different, and making space for joy, grief, courage and creativity to co-exist in the glass.

 Stilvi is a living story—one that continues to grow and shift as I do. What began as a creative bond with my daughter has become an ever-evolving expression of artistry, intuition, and transformation. The shimmer remains—brighter, braver, and carried by the quiet momentum of becoming.

 

“Stilvi brings the forest to your glass—where creativity meets tradition, and every sip glows with untamed flavour and the quiet magic of nature's light.”

Tim’s vinous adventures

  • Mornington Peninsula 2006 – current

    Pinot Noir
    Chardonnay
    Pinot Gris
    Viognier
    Syrah
    Riesling

  • Yarra Valley 2001 – 2005

    Pinot Noir
    Chardonnay
    Pinot Gris
    Shiraz
    Cabernet Sauvignon
    Riesling
    Viognier
    Merlot

  • Languedoc, France – Vintage 2005

    Carignon
    Mourvedre
    Cinsault
    Roussanne
    Shiraz
    Viognier
    Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Barolo, Italy – Vintage 2003

    Nebbiolo
    Barbera
    Dolcetto
    Chardonnay
    Freisa