Mike De Iuliis is more than a winemaker; he’s a cornerstone of the Australian wine industry, driven by a profound passion for his craft and a deep commitment to the Hunter Valley. His journey began with a Bachelor of Science from Macquarie University, which laid a strong foundation before he fully immersed himself in winemaking. Mike honed his skills with postgraduate studies in Oenology at Roseworthy Campus, completing his qualifications in 1999. Following a formative period working alongside the respected David Hook, Mike launched his own label, De Iuliis Wines, with his inaugural crush in 2002. From that moment, De Iuliis Wines has flourished, consistently going from strength to strength under his discerning eye.
A pivotal milestone in Mike’s career arrived in 2004 when he was chosen as a Scholar for the prestigious Len Evans Tutorial. This exclusive program, celebrated for nurturing Australia’s elite wine talent, equipped him with invaluable insights and the confidence to champion the nation’s wine industry on the world stage. Today, Mike’s expertise is so highly regarded that he’s invited back to the Tutorial as a tutor, generously sharing his knowledge during the Shiraz judging sessions.
Mike’s dedication extends far beyond his own winery. He’s a highly respected figure in wine judging, having contributed his palate and acumen to numerous competitions. His extensive involvement includes roles at the NSW Small Winemaker’s Show, Hunter Wine Show, NSW Wine Awards, Rutherglen Wine Show, and the Australian and NZ Wine Awards. Through his roles as a judge, panel chair, and most recently, as the appointed Chair of Judges for the 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Show, Mike profoundly impacts the industry. These positions allow him to critically evaluate a vast array of wines, champion diversity and innovation within Australian wine, and, crucially, mentor the next generation of wine show judges, ensuring the continued excellence of Australian wine for years to come.
