Raised in Württemberg, Germany, in a long line of traditional grape farmers, Timo Mayer did not want to be a winegrower. Yet in 2000, half a world away in the Yarra Valley, he and wife Rhonda founded Mayer.

The vineyard is planted on the slopes of Mount Toolebewong, south of Healesville. Having acquired an Australian sense of humour, Timo named it Bloody Hill, after the effort required to work its steep hillside. In his time with Steve Webber at De Bortoli, he learned a lot about the 'funk' of wine. The winemaking should always take a backseat to vineyard and vintage. At Mayer he has gone from disciple to wine funk evangelist.

A runaway farmer from Germany, Tim Mayer specializes in small batch single vineyard wines. Their Granite and Dr Mayer Pinot Noirs are highlights. The Bloody Hill Villages range is an entry level look into Mayer.