At the Judge's Table: Shaping Tomorrow's Wine Industry

WORDS LIANE MORRIS | IMAGES SOURCE DE IULIIS

Full story originally published in Your Hunter Valley Magazine Jul/Aug 2025 Issue #237; see: www.yourhuntervalley.com.au

When Hunter Valley winemaker Mike De Iuliis was named Chair of Judges for the 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Show, it marked a significant milestone for his own career and also for the Hunter wine industry.

As the owner and winemaker at De Iuliis Wines in Pokolbin, Mike has built a reputation for bold innovation, unwavering quality, and a deep commitment to sustainability. Now, with this prestigious appointment, he's not just making standout wines; he's helping shape the future of Australian wine. If you're visiting the Hunter, be sure to include De Iuliis on your list. Their cellar door offers more than just a tasting; it's your front-row seat to the craft, character, and passion of one of Australia's top winemakers.

Appointed in August last year, Mike now follows in the footsteps of some of the most respected figures in the industry, including outgoing Chair Sarah Crowe.

"The opportunity to be Chair of Judges at the 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Show is a massive responsibility, and one I do not take lightly," said Mike.

"Sarah has done a fantastic job of guiding and protecting the integrity of the competition. She's left big shoes to fill."

For Mike, it's about more than the prestige.

"Not many people get that opportunity. I'm also looking forward to helping guide the next generation of wine judges. It doesn't feel that long ago that I was one of them," he said.

The De Iuliis (pronounced dee-you-leeiss) story begins in the mountains of Abruzzi, Italy, where his great-grandfather Donato and grandfather Celeste (known as Charlie) once rode horseback to collect barrels of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. After migrating to Australia in the 1950s and settling at the Greta

Migrant Camp, the family eventually laid down roots in the Hunter.

Mike's parents, Anna and Joss De Iuliis, purchased a 20-hectare cattle property on Lovedale Road in 1987, preparing the soils for three years before their first vintage in 1997. With a Bachelor of Science and postgraduate studies in Oenology under his belt, Mike officially joined the business and began shaping the winery's future. He completed the prestigious Len Evans Tutorial in 2004 and quickly built a reputation for excellence as both a winemaker and respected wine judge.

Mike has been part of the Sydney Royal Panel since 2017 and has served as both Chair and Panel Chair at numerous shows around the country.

"My vision for the next three years is to see the ongoing success of the show system, not only at Sydney Royal but nationally," he said. "These shows are a vital platform for giving feedback to producers, helping the trade, and giving consumers a snapshot of the most exciting wines being made in Australia right now."

Back home in Pokolbin, the De Iuliis brand is synonymous with premium Hunter Valley wines, particularly Shiraz. The family now operates three vineyards: the original Lovedale Road property, the historic Steven Vineyard, and a third on Talga Road dedicated exclusively to Shiraz.

The wines reflect Mike's philosophy of balance, purity, and the expression of place, as well as his willingness to innovate. De Iuliis was one of the first in the region to plant alternative varieties, such as Touriga, Pecorino, and Montepulciano.

"We've chosen these varieties because they cope better with heat and require fewer chemical inputs," Mike said. "That makes them not only more resilient but more sustainable."

This forwardthinking approach has paid dividends. De Iuliis is in the top 2% of Australian wineries, and in the past year alone was named a Top 100 Winery by James Halliday and listed among the Real Review Top Wineries of Australia.

"The 2025 edition of the James Halliday Wine Companion saw us maintain a rating of five underlined red stars, which has been a goal of mine for several years now," Mike said. "We've been a fivestar brand for almost 19 years, and five red stars for 11 of those."

The accolades speak volumes. At the 2021 Hunter Valley Wine Show, De Iuliis picked up six trophies for three wines, including the Doug Seabrook Trophy for Best Red Wine of Show. In

2023, they again took home Best Red Wine of Show, the third year in a row.

"I was especially proud of the Limited Release Shiraz range," Mike said. "It's a culmination of years of vineyard work and winemaking evolution."

Crafted from the finest blocks across their top vineyards, this wine is a masterclass in blending and restraint. The result is a classic medium-bodied Hunter Valley Shiraz with exceptional depth, drive, and polish. Critics, including Gary Walsh, Ned Goodwin MW, and Stuart Knox, have consistently awarded recent vintages a remarkable 95 points.

To celebrate their mastery of Shiraz, De Iuliis recently introduced the Limited Release Shiraz Experience. This guided tasting showcases some of their finest vintages for $55 per person, including four 50ml tastings of the 2019, 2016, 2014 and 2009 Limited Release Shiraz.

"It's the wines that have defined us, and now we get to share that story in a really personal and immersive way," Mike said.

The winery also offers the Made by Mike Tasting ($15 per person), the DeLuxe Winery Tour Experience ($65), and the Hunter Valley Family Fun Pass ($365 for two adults and two kids).

De Iuliis has become known for its warm, knowledgeable staff and relaxed atmosphere—a reputation solidified when they were named Hunter Valley Cellar Door of the Year in 2022.

"We didn't expect to win," said Mike. "It was my team who put us forward. They passed all the mystery shopper visits, and they absolutely smashed it. That was really special because it reflected the strength of the people I have around me."

As he prepares to lead one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious wine shows, Mike remains humble and grounded.

"Winning at Sydney Royal resonates loudly across the industry," he said. "But beyond the trophies, I hope we're inspiring people to explore great Australian wines and support producers who are doing great things."

For a winemaker whose story began with his ancestors and barrels of Montepulciano in a small Italian town, now finding himself at the helm of one of Australia's most influential wine competitions, it's a journey that honours his family's legacy while supporting a vibrant future for the industry.

For wine lovers visiting the Hunter, there's never been a better time to experience De Iuliis Wines. To learn more or book a Limited Release Shiraz Experience, visit www.dewine.com.au.