The story of this acclaimed winery stretches back four generations to the mountains of Abruzzi, Italy, where the family tradition of winemaking began with Mike De Iuliis’ great-grandfather Donato and grandfather Celeste.
The Australian chapter of the De Iuliis winemaking story began in 1987 when Mike’s parents, Anna and Joss, purchased a 20-hectare cattle property on Lovedale Road. After three years of soil regeneration, they planted their first vines—Semillon and Chardonnay, followed by Shiraz, Merlot, and Verdelho. Today, the family operates three vineyards across the Hunter Valley, including the historic Steven Vineyard.
Mike De Iuliis, a fourth-generation winemaker with a post-graduate degree in Oenology and Len Evans Tutorial training, has elevated the winery to new heights. His innovative approach has earned the winery multiple accolades, including the coveted Doug Seabrook Memorial Trophy for Best Red Wine of Show at the 2024 PKF Hunter Valley Wine Show for their 2023 Limited Release Shiraz. The winery also took home the John Lewis Trophy for Best Museum Red with their 2014 Talga Road Shiraz, continuing their remarkable streak of awards.
In recognition of his expertise, Mike was recently announced as the new Chair of Judges for the 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Show—a significant honour that highlights his standing in Australia’s wine industry. De Iuliis Wines is equally committed to sustainability, implementing innovative practices such as using biochar across their vineyards to reduce carbon emissions and improve soil fertility. They’ve also pioneered alternative grape varieties better suited to a changing climate, including Pecorino, Touriga, and Montepulciano, which thrive in the Hunter Valley’s Mediterranean-like conditions.
Visitors to the landmark cellar door can enjoy flights of small-batch, handcrafted wines led by a knowledgeable and passionate team. The spacious, light-filled venue offers breathtaking views from its observation tower and outdoor deck, where guests might even spot the resident kangaroos.
Rated in the top 2% of Australian wineries with Halliday Wine Companion’s five red stars, De Iuliis Wines exemplifies the Hunter Valley’s commitment to exceptional winemaking while honouring family tradition and embracing innovation for a sustainable future.
