Tillie J

Natillie (Tillie) Johnston began her career in ’12, one of the vintage crew at Coldstream Hills, and says her love for pinot noir began there. She then spent 4 of the next 8 years drifting between the Northern and Southern hemispheres working for an all-star cast of wineries: Leeuwin Estate, Brokenwood, Cristom (Oregon), Keller (Rheinhessen), Framingham (Marlborough), and Yarra Yering. While working in the winemaking team at Giant Steps, she took the opportunity to buy 2t of grapes from Helen’s Hill of whatever variety she chose, which was, of course, pinot noir. The range has since expanded to Yarra Valley chardonnay, with a Langhorne Creek grenache in the mix, too. Though arguably her aligoté has fast become the fan favourite. -JAMES HALLIDAY