Mayer Wines

Timo Mayer is one of the Yarra Valley’s great individualists. Born into a 400 year winemaking family in Germany, he arrived in Australia in the late 1980s and quietly rewrote the local rulebook.

 

In 1999, he planted the steep and aptly named Bloody Hill vineyard. From that slope came wines that challenged convention at the time, championing whole bunch fermentation and minimal intervention long before it was fashionable. While others chased polish, Timo leaned into energy, structure and savoury detail. His now famous call to “bring back the funk” was never about novelty, but about transparency and texture. Now working alongside his son Rivar who is quietly revelling in his inherent skill,  championing the Bloody Hill wines. 

 

With Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sitting in the heart of the range, these wines are defined by bright acidity, fine yet assertive tannin and a lifted, aromatic edge. The Dr Mayer Pinot, in particular, has become something of a cult bottling. Beyond these, he also works thoughtfully with varieties such as Gamay, Nebbiolo and Syrah, always with a cool climate sensibility.

 

In the landscape of modern Australian wine, Timo Mayer stands as a pioneer of the Yarra’s new wave. Small production, site expressive, and quietly iconic.