Tim Althaus, Chief Tipster

 So who am I?

I’m Tim Althaus. I’ve been in and around the wine industry for many years, and was named one of the Australian Wine Industry’s young leaders in 2006.

I run Secret Vines to support the small family run wineries around the county who make really good stuff. And also, just to have a bit of fun.

And in case you’re wondering, no, I’m not some wine tosser like so many you find around the traps. I just a like a good tipple! So much so that I even make my own wine (Paolo & Bone) entirely by hand.

I reckon wine is a tonic for life - something that should be low fuss - but a real treat to be shared and enjoyed with friends.

We run this website because we believe a major problem today is that so many great wines don’t make it to the retail shelves, but so many poor wines do.

In my experience, the best wines often come from small plots of land which have an attentive farmer to tend to them; they don’t come from broad acre farming supported by multi-national marketing budgets.

At Secret Vines we look for the best quality vino from the little guys. I hope you find something you can enjoy.

And if you have any feedback for me, I would really appreciate hearing it. My email is tim@secretvines.com.au