From Italy to the Hunter Valley: The Adventurer’s Spirit in every Bottle.
De Iuliis Winery is not just about wine, it’s about a journey. A journey that started with a dream and took root in the soil of the Hunter Valley, and continues to unfold with every vintage. It’s a story of passion, grit, and a legacy of a family that stretches across continents – from Pescara, Italy, all the way to Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley, NSW.
How good is that? The connection between these two places, is incredible. It’s like wine history coming full circle.
It goes back a long way, like really back. Donato and young Joss would cross the mountains of Abruzzi to carry barrels of must (this is unfermented grape juice with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo) back to Pescara to share with their community. This wasn’t just about wine; it was about culture, tradition, and a connection to something deeper.
And when they moved to Australia in the early 20th century, they didn’t just leave behind their homeland, they brought with them a dream to share the art of Italian winemaking with the world.
Can you imagine that? Coming all the way here to start a new life, and still holding on to that dream. They would have had few belongings post war, but they had a rich cultural heritage and a desire to work hard to make a better life.
Joss and his wife Anna, were the real trailblazers when they bought rugged cattle acreage in Lovedale, Hunter Valley in 1987. It took them three years of hard yakka to turn the soil and get it ready for grapes. The effort? Pure determination. But, it paid off. Eventually, they turned it into a flourishing vineyard. Talk about guts and grit…
What Donato didn’t know was that their journey would lay the foundation for a family business that would last for generations.
Fast forward to the 1990s, and Donato’s great-grandson, Mike De Iuliis, steps up to the plate. His first vintage was born in 1998, and from there, the adventure merged the rich terroirs of Italy and Australia – two worlds blending into something truly special.
Mike, Kathy, and their family, along with their dedicated team – winemaker Emily Glover, with Shane, Mark, Alannah, Genna, Gail, Dylan, Cooper, Erin, and Lucy – the four legged, curly one) all help continue the vision sparked by Joss’ pioneering spirit.
It’s not just about passion. It’s about perseverance, about getting the job done with a smile (even if that smile is hiding a few good jokes along the way). Mike’s always pushing for new developments—better soil nutrition, for example—and the awards keep rolling in.
The family’s happiness? It’s clear to see.
And Mike’s delivered. Maybe it’s his perseverance, his above average joke telling under huge challenges, or maybe he simply just gets on with it, introducing new developments for improved soil nutrition and more. The awards keep coming and the family is beaming. And that’s happiness.
You can’t deny that the Italian connection runs deep at De Iuliis. Family is at the heart of everything. Sure, working together as a family isn’t always easy, there are the challenges and growing pains, but that bond? It’s what makes them special. Each family member brings their unique skills, their own touch to the table. That deep-rooted sense of “famiglia” is woven into every bottle.
Every bottle carries that legacy. It’s like an adventure in a glass. And just like any great travel experience, De Iuliis Wines invites you to connect with their story. Their approach to winemaking is simple but powerful: respect the land, rise to the unpredictable weather, take on new technology but keep it sustainable.
Lastly,”keep a dancin, Maria” as the saying goes.
And sometimes, it even means singing to the vines if that’s what it takes for them to settle into the Hunter’s volcanic soils. Here, pateince meets passion, and that’s where the magic happens.
We chose to share this story at Travellarks, because we focus on championing authentic, meaningful journeys. De Iuliis Winery carries that same spirit. It’s about immersing oneself in the land, facing challenges head-on, and pouring passion into every bottle.
Reflecting on their journey, their dedication and their resilience – reminds us of how the De Iuliis family, along with many others, play a part in shaping Australia into something amazing. It’s a tale of perseverance, hard work, and creating something truly remarkable from humble beginnings.
And as if looking after award winning wines isn enough, they offer wine tastings, vineyard tours, and Fun Passes to cheese and fudge tasting (plus gelato at the onsite Hunter Belle Cheese Room), kids activities, and entry into the Hunter Valley Wildlife park. As well, they have fabulous recipes online and brilliantly hosts guests in their accommodation at the Winemaker’s House at De Iuliis.
Extraordinary really.
Book Your Stay at the Winemaker’s House
Experience The Winemakers House. A spacious and modern, accommodates up to 7 guests and child and pet friendly too.
The winery also has a dedicated area for the kids with toys and activities, and the vineyard surrounds offer plenty of space for them to explore.
But the best bit for adults? Bookings include a free premium wine tasting in the cellar door only 30 metres away. No driving!
For stays between 1st May and 31st August 2025, there’s a special offer: Book 2 nights and receive the 3rd night free (available for new bookings only).
The Winemakers House, surrounded by the vineyards that have been tended with care for decades. We feel sure you’ll feel the connection to the land and the legacy that makes this wine so very special the minute you arrive.
