The Hunter Valley, renowned for its exquisite wines and breathtaking scenery, isn’t just for adults. It’s also a fantastic destination for families looking to create cherished memories amidst vineyards and picturesque landscapes. From spacious homesteads to charming cottages, the region offers a diverse range of accommodations suitable for all ages. De Iuliis Wines is proud to be part of this family-friendly community, and we’re here to help you discover some of the best places to stay.

When planning your next family adventure to Wine Country, consider these exceptional venues that blend comfort, convenience, and a touch of Hunter Valley charm.

The Winemaker’s House at De Iuliis Wines: Your Home Among the Vines

Imagine waking up surrounded by the beauty of a working winery, with fresh country air. The Winemaker’s House at De Iuliis Wines offers precisely this experience, providing an idyllic retreat for families and groups.

Located just 30 metres from our acclaimed cellar door on Broke Road, this contemporary, split-level residence is designed for comfort and relaxation. It accommodates up to 7 guests across four beautifully styled bedrooms with flexible bedding configurations and 2.5 bathrooms, ensuring ample space for everyone.

Family-Friendly Highlights:

• Spacious Living: Enjoy an open-plan entertaining area with a superb kitchen and dining space, perfect for family meals.
• Outdoor Enjoyment: A secluded, enclosed courtyard with a BBQ is ideal for alfresco dining and secure playtime for children (and pets!).
• Cozy Comforts: In cooler months, gather around the fireplace for a movie night or relax with a glass of De Iuliis wine.
• Pet-Friendly: Your furry family members are welcome, with a dedicated pet enclosure for their safety and comfort.
• Complimentary Wine Tasting: As our guest, you’ll receive a free premium wine tasting at the De Iuliis cellar door, allowing adults to savour our award-winning wines just steps away from your accommodation.
• Amenities: Features include air conditioning, streaming services, and Wi-Fi, providing all the modern conveniences for a memorable stay.

It’s truly a “happy place” where the history and passion of the De Iuliis winemaking family come to life, offering a warm welcome to all.

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Steven Vineyard Cottage: Modern Comfort in a Picturesque Setting

For another fantastic family-friendly option, look no further than Steven Vineyard Cottage, nestled within the glorious acres of the Steven Vineyard. This property is designed for larger groups, comfortably hosting up to 8 guests within a spacious cottage for six and an additional self-contained studio for two.

Family-Friendly Highlights:

• Ample Space: With generous living areas and bedrooms, the cottage provides plenty of room for families to spread out and relax. Publicly available information indicates it includes 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.
• Modern Amenities: Guests can enjoy luxurious bedding, beautiful bathrooms, and a gourmet kitchen perfect for preparing family meals.
• Indoor & Outdoor Fun: Unwind by the heart-warming gas fireplace or take a leisurely dip in the custom, circular plunge pool while taking in the dreamy vineyard views. A games room offers friendly challenges for all ages.
• Prime Location: Steven Vineyard Cottage boasts an excellent location, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from numerous wineries, restaurants, cellar doors, and the popular Hunter Valley Gardens, ensuring there’s always something to do.

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The Hunter Valley offers an abundance of activities and experiences for families, from exploring the Hunter Valley Gardens to enjoying local produce and, of course, discovering exceptional wines. Choosing the right accommodation is key to a memorable trip. Both The Winemaker’s House at De Iuliis Wines and Steven Vineyard Cottage provide excellent bases for your family to relax, explore, and immerse yourselves in all that this beautiful region has to offer.

We look forward to welcoming your family to the Hunter Valley for an unforgettable getaway!

The De Iuliis 2019 Limited Release Shiraz isn’t just a wine; it’s a profound statement from the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region. It stands as a shining example of what modern Hunter Valley Shiraz can truly achieve, setting a new standard for quality and regional expression while honoring a legacy almost two centuries old.

The story of Hunter Valley Shiraz began in the 1830s, when viticultural pioneer James Busby brought Syrah cuttings from France’s Rhône Valley to Australian shores. Soon after, visionary figures like George Wyndham and Dr. Henry Lindeman were establishing vineyards, laying the groundwork for the region’s enduring reputation. Over the decades, Hunter Shiraz developed its unique identity: a medium-bodied style, often savoury and earthy, with remarkable longevity. Legendary winemakers such as Maurice O’Shea of Mount Pleasant, in the mid-20th century, championed these table wines when fortifieds ruled, crafting exceptional, age-worthy Shiraz that defined the Hunter style and set a benchmark for future generations.

At De Iuliis Wines, we meticulously craft the 2019 Limited Release Shiraz from the finest blocks across our top vineyards—Steven, Talga Road, and Lovedale Road. This isn’t merely about grape selection; it’s a masterclass in blending and restraint, ensuring every bottle embodies precision and passion, carrying forward the spirit of the Hunter’s pioneers. Our meticulous process results in a wine that captures the Hunter Valley’s classic medium-bodied style, but with an added layer of depth, drive, and polish that truly sets it apart.

This commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. Esteemed critics consistently laud the 2019 Limited Release Shiraz, with Gary Walsh (The Wine Front), Ned Goodwin MW (Halliday Wine Companion), and Stuart Knox (The Real Review) each awarding this vintage a remarkable 95 points. What truly elevates this Limited Release Shiraz is its proven ability to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the region’s most iconic wines. In comparative tastings, it confidently holds its own against Hunter Valley legends such as Thomas Wines Kiss Shiraz, Tyrrell’s Vat 9, and Brokenwood Graveyard—a true testament to its exceptional quality and distinguished pedigree. This is the Hunter Valley Shiraz you need to experience, a wine that respects its past while confidently stepping into the future.

For an unprecedented third consecutive year, De Iuliis Wines is thrilled to announce we have been named a Top Winery for 2025 by The Real Review! This prestigious recognition from one of Australia’s most respected independent wine review sites solidifies our position as a leading Hunter Valley winery and a consistent producer of award-winning wines.

Three Years Running: A Testament to Quality and Dedication

To be acknowledged as a “Top Winery” once is an honour; to achieve it for three years in a row is a testament to the unwavering dedication and passion of the entire De Iuliis team. This consistent recognition by The Real Review, led by the esteemed Huon Hooke, reflects our commitment to crafting premium Hunter Valley Semillon, Shiraz, and Chardonnay that truly express the unique terroir of our region.

“We are incredibly proud to receive this honour for the third year running,” says Mike De Iuliis, Owner and Winemaker at De Iuliis Wines. “It’s a fantastic validation of our viticultural practices, winemaking philosophy, and the hard work of everyone involved, from the vineyard to the cellar door. We strive for excellence in every bottle, and this recognition reinforces that we’re on the right track.”

What Does “Top Winery” Mean for Wine Lovers?

The Real Review’s “Top Wineries of Australia” list is highly regarded for its rigorous and independent assessment. Wineries are judged on the quality and consistency of their wines reviewed over the past two years, making this accolade a true indicator of sustained excellence. For you, the wine lover, it means that when you choose a De Iuliis wine, you’re selecting a bottle from a winery consistently producing high-quality, critically acclaimed wines that are sure to impress.

Discover De Iuliis: Your Go-To Hunter Valley Wine Experience

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the world of Hunter Valley wine, we invite you to experience the De Iuliis difference. Our cellar door in Pokolbin offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere where you can taste our range of boutique wines, including our highly celebrated Hunter Valley Semillon (often described as the benchmark for the region) and our powerful yet elegant Hunter Valley Shiraz.

Looking for:

• Best wineries in Hunter Valley?
• Hunter Valley cellar door experiences?
• Award-winning Semillon and Shiraz?
• Hunter Valley wine tasting?

De Iuliis Wines should be at the top of your list!

Plan Your Visit to Our Hunter Valley Cellar Door

Come and celebrate this incredible achievement with us! Visit our cellar door in the heart of the Hunter Valley and discover why The Real Review has named us a Top Winery for 2025. Our friendly team is ready to guide you through a memorable tasting experience.

Hand-Picking

Hand-picking is the traditional method of harvesting grapes. It is a labour-intensive process, but it allows for greater selectivity in the vineyard. Pickers can choose only the ripe and healthy bunches, leaving any damaged or unripe fruit behind. This can lead to higher quality wines, as only the best grapes are used.

Benefits of Hand-Picking:

• Greater selectivity: Pickers can choose only the ripe and healthy bunches.
• Less damage to the grapes: Hand-picking is a gentler process than mechanical harvesting, which can damage the grapes.
• Better for certain grape varieties: Some grape varieties, such as Pinot Noir, are more delicate and benefit from hand-picking.

Limitations of Hand-Picking:

• More labour-intensive: Hand-picking is a more labour-intensive process than mechanical harvesting.
• More expensive: Hand-picking is more costly than mechanical harvesting.
• Slower: Hand-picking is a slower process than mechanical harvesting.

Mechanical Harvesting

Mechanical harvesting is a more modern method of harvesting grapes. It is a faster and more efficient process than hand-picking. However, it can be less selective, as the machine harvests all of the grapes on the vine, regardless of their ripeness or quality.

Benefits of Mechanical Harvesting:

• Faster: Mechanical harvesting is a quicker process than hand-picking.
• More efficient: Mechanical harvesting is more efficient than hand-picking.
• Less expensive: Mechanical harvesting is less costly than hand-picking.

Limitations of Mechanical Harvesting:

• Less selective: The machine harvests all of the grapes on the vine, regardless of their ripeness or quality.
• Can damage the grapes: Mechanical harvesting can damage the grapes.
• Not suitable for all grape varieties: Some are too delicate, like our Pecorino, for mechanical harvesting.

De Iuliis Wines: Our Approach

At De Iuliis Wines, we use both hand-picking and mechanical harvesting, depending on the specific needs of each vintage. For our premium wines, we typically hand-pick the grapes. This allows us to select only the best fruit and ensure that the wines are of the highest quality. For our more commercial wines, we may use mechanical harvesting. This allows us to produce these wines at a more affordable price.

Ultimately, the decision to hand-pick or mechanically harvest grapes is complex. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best choice depends on several factors. For example, in 2021, COVID restrictions shut down international travel, so our usual labour intake (read: backpackers) needing their farming visa was limited. Couple that with rain events, every Hunter Valley winery needed their grapes picked in smaller windows and with a smaller labour force. Therefore, mechanical harvesting was necessary throughout most of our vineyards.

At De Iuliis Wines, we carefully consider all these factors before deciding. Our goal is to produce the best possible wines, and we believe that using both hand-picking and mechanical harvesting allows us to achieve this goal.

                                         Handpicked grapes                                                                                                                          Mechanically Harvest Grapes

Have you ever noticed tiny, sparkling crystals in your wine? If so, you’ve encountered tartrates, a natural byproduct of the winemaking process. While they may look alarming, they’re perfectly harmless and a sign of a quality wine.

What are Tartrates?

Tartrates are salts of tartaric acid, a naturally occurring acid found in grapes. During the winemaking process, as the wine ages and cools, these salts can crystallize and form those tiny, shiny deposits.

Why are Tartrates Okay?

1. Natural Occurrence: Tartrates are a completely natural part of wine. They form during the winemaking process and are not added artificially.
2. Harmless: Tartrates are non-toxic and pose no health risk. In fact, they’re often used in baking and cooking as a leavening agent.
3. Indicator of Quality: The presence of tartrates can sometimes be a sign of a well-made wine, as it indicates that the wine has not been excessively filtered or treated with chemicals.

So, the next time you spot those sparkling crystals in your wine, don’t worry! They’re a natural and harmless part of the winemaking process. Enjoy your wine, and let the tartrates add a touch of sparkle to your drinking experience.

Last Chance to Order for Christmas Delivery

The holiday season is fast approaching, and it’s time to start thinking about your festive feast. De Iuliis Wines has everything you need to make your Christmas celebration extra special. From award-winning reds to crisp whites, we have the perfect wine to complement your holiday meal.

But hurry! Our last day for Christmas shipping is December 16th. After that, we won’t be able to guarantee delivery before the big day.

Shop Now and Secure Your Festive Fizz

Don’t miss out on enjoying De Iuliis Wines this Christmas. Place your order today and ensure your favourite bottles arrive for the holidays.

Shop our range, browse our selection of premium wines and place your order.

Cheers to a Merry Christmas from De Iuliis Wines!

The Halliday Wine Companion has just released their Top 100 Wineries for 2024, and we’ve made the list for the first time! This exclusive list showcases the very best in Australian winemaking. Halliday’s Top 100 Wineries is a testament to the excellence, innovation, and artistry that define this vibrant industry.

It’s not a small feat to come in at #52, especially when you are a boutique wine producer like we are. There were over 2,000 wine brands across Australia, so we are thrilled to be awarded a spot in the Top 100.

The Halliday Top 100 Wineries is more than just a list; it’s a celebration of excellence that has been years in the making. The wineries chosen for this prestigious list have demonstrated consistent quality and a profound commitment to the craft of winemaking.

One of the most captivating aspects of this list is the stories it tells. Each winery has its narrative and unique journey through the winemaking world. The winemakers’ dedication, the influence of terroir, and the traditions they uphold all come to life as you explore the list.

It’s not just a collection of names; it’s a journey through the heart and soul of Australian wine, and we are bloody thrilled to be a part of it!

Wine show judging is an indispensable cornerstone of the Australian wine industry. Beyond simply benchmarking our wines against competitors, it serves as a catalyst for professional and personal growth within our team. At the recent 2024 Sydney Royal Wine Show led by Chair of Judges Sarah Crowe, our winemaker Mike De Iuliis was a Panel Chair, Emily Glover was an Associate Judge, and Allanna Wigley and Dylan Dower volunteered their time as Stewards. To read more about the Sydney Royal Wine Show click here, and to learn more about the Judging Positions at a Wine Show click here.

The Sydney Royal Wine Show engages the most experienced and respected Judges in the industry and endorses the development of future judges.

A Chair of Judges oversees the process and includes six separate judging panels. Each panel consists of one Panel Chair, two Senior Judges and two Associate Judges.
Medals are determined by the Judges using the following point scale:

• Gold medal for outstanding Exhibits gaining 95.0pts and over
• Silver medal for excellent Exhibits gaining 90.0pts but fewer than 95.0pts
• Bronze medal for quality Exhibits gaining 85.0pts but fewer than 90.0pts

Participating in these events offers invaluable exposure to the exceptional wines crafted nationwide. This inspires us to push boundaries, experiment with new styles, and ultimately elevate the quality of our own offerings. By collaborating and learning from one another, we collectively contribute to the growth and prestige of the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, and the Australian wine industry.

We’re thrilled to share exciting news with you in the coming weeks. Until then, let’s raise a glass to the continued excellence and advancement of Australian wine.

Chair of Judges

The Chair of Judges is the highest authority at a wine show. They oversee the entire judging process, ensuring consistency and fairness. Their responsibilities include:

• Selecting and appointing judges and panel chairs.
• Developing judging criteria and guidelines.
• Resolving disputes between judges or panels.
• Ensuring the integrity of the judging process.

Panel Chair

The Panel Chair leads a specific judging panel. They are responsible for:

• Guiding the panel through the tasting process.
• Encouraging open discussion and consensus-building among judges.
• Ensuring adherence to judging criteria.
• Providing feedback to the Chair of Judges on panel performance.

Visiting Judge

A Visiting Judge is an experienced wine expert invited to participate in a specific wine show. They bring their expertise to the panel, adding depth and diversity to the judging process.

Associate Judge

Associate Judges are typically in training and observe the judging process, with their scores counting towards the final result. They gain valuable experience and develop their palate. Their role is crucial for the future of wine judging.

• Learn how to score exhibits from experienced senior judges
• Experience first-hand what it takes to judge fine wine
• Be exposed to emerging trends and the very best producers have to offer
• Network with industry experts
• Build experience toward becoming a qualified judge

Steward

Stewards are essential behind-the-scenes personnel. They handle the logistics of wine preparation and presentation. Their responsibilities include:

• Unpacking and labelling wines.
• Pouring wines for judges.
• Maintaining the judging room environment.
• Ensuring the anonymity of wines.

In essence, each role contributes to the rigorous and impartial evaluation of wines, ultimately determining the winners and setting benchmarks for the industry.

Hunter Valley’s Pioneering Vineyard: Lovedale Road (LDR)

Nestled in the heart of Lovedale, Hunter Valley, LDR Vineyard isn’t your average winery. Steeped in history, dating back to its acquisition by Joss and Anna De Iuliis in 1987, LDR has become synonymous with innovation and exceptional wines.

A Legacy Built on Diversity and Daring

The early 1990s saw the first plantings on the LDR property, a diverse tapestry of chardonnay, semillon, verdelho, merlot, and shiraz vines. This dedication to various grapes varieties ensured a rich foundation for the future. Their inaugural harvest in 1992, a celebration with family and friends, marked the beginning of a remarkable journey.

Paving the Way with Touriga

LDR’s pioneering spirit truly shone in 2010 when they became the Hunter Valley’s first to plant touriga grapes. This bold move has now become a cornerstone of their success story. Their iconic LDR Vineyard Shiraz Touriga, a multiple trophy winner, exemplifies the brilliance of this decision. The vineyard has further expanded its offerings with the introduction of montepulciano and tempranillo grapes.

Quality Over Quantity: The Secret to Exceptional Wines

LDR prioritizes quality over quantity. Their 15-hectare vineyard yields an average of 100 tonnes annually, producing grapes of unparalleled concentration. This translates to wines that are not just good but exceptional. Every sip promises a unique sensory experience, a testament to LDR’s dedication to crafting unforgettable wines.