Stilvi

Tim Elphick calls Stilvi his Peninsula passion project. That is, small-batch winemaking, both modern and ancient techniques from skin contact to clay vessels, all in a bid to create interesting wine and conversation. It’s early days, with Tim sourcing fruit from various sites, mostly pinot gris, with pinot noir and chardonnay soon to be added. After 11 years as winemaker at Portsea Estate, he quit in ’21 to concentrate on Stilvi, which means ‘shimmering light’ or ‘shine’ in Greek. As it turns out, one of his favourite Greek rock bands, Pyx Lax, released an album called Stilvi in ’98. The wine is a delightful collaboration with his teenage daughter Kalypso, who designed the labels. -JANE FAULKNER