Tillie J Wines

Natillie Johnston, also known as Tillie J, developed her passion for wine while working for cellar doors in the Yarra Valley to support her studies in Sports Science. After completing her degree, she transitioned into the wine-making industry, starting with her first harvest at Coldstream Hills Wines in 2012. Her fascination with wine culture blossomed, leading her to pursue postgraduate studies in winemaking and viticulture at the University of Melbourne.

Throughout her career, Natillie has gained experience in various wine regions across Australia and abroad, including Margaret River, the Hunter Valley, Oregon, Germany, Canada, and New Zealand. Working alongside esteemed winemakers, she honed her craft and forged lasting friendships.

Natillie's dream of starting her own wine label in the Yarra Valley became a reality when she was accepted into the "2019 Young Winemakers" program at No.7 Healesville. This opportunity enabled her to launch Tillie J Wines, with her inaugural release, the 2019 Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, receiving high praise, including a 95 rating in the 2020 Wine Companion.

Her goal is to create wines that authentically reflect their terroir, enjoyable in their youth or after maturation, and she's gaining plenty of traction. As stated in the Halliday Wine Companion... "Mark my words. Tillie Johnston is going to become a great winemaker.