Timothy’s branding expertise has led him to success as a vintner as well: In 2007, he teamed with winemaker Philippe Melka and friend Michael Uytengsu to found Tusk, an ultra-exclusive Napa Valley Cabernet. His meticulous branding and game-changing “one degree of separation” marketing plan have ignited an unquenchable demand for Tusk (summed up by a ten-year waiting list), and placed it among the world’s elite: Wine Searcher named Tusk as one of the top three wine brands in Napa Valley, alongside cult mainstays Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate.
In 2007 Timothy along with Mark Wiegard founded Gauge Branding which has gone on to create some of the most respected brands around the world for clients ranging from Australia, Napa Valley, Sonoma, Oregon, Washington, South Africa, and more.
In 2016, Timothy and a group of friends launched Immortal Estate. Immortal Cabernets have earned top ratings from major critics—including a perfect 100 points from Robert Parker—and the estate has garnered attention from Forbes, the Robb Report, and the San Francisco Chronicle. At Immortal, Timothy has assembled an A-list roster of celebrity partners, including fashion model and actress Kate Upton, World Series Champion and two-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander, NFL Pro Bowl quarterback Alex Smith, and NFL All-Pro defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh.
After a decade and a half of working with top brands, Timothy identified an unmet need in the ultra-high-quality wine world, so he partnered with Jacquelyn Hartman to form Precieux. The company represents cult-level wineries, enhancing their client relationships by creating and curating unique, exclusive, and VIP-access experiences in Napa Valley.
Timothy Martin might be a dreamer, but the other thing he’ll call himself is the conductor of the symphony: He’s the one who assembles all the right players, knows everyone’s part, and elicits the very best out of everyone involved. He’s the one who makes it all come together. And when it does, whatever it is, it’s a thing of beauty.
