Hunter Winemaker to Chair Sydney Royal Wine Show
Hunter Valley De Iuliis winemaker and owner Michael (Mike) De Iuliis has been announced as the new Chair of Judges of the Sydney Royal Wine Show.
As a fourth-generation wine enthusiast, Mike’s passion for the Australian wine industry started at a young age and only blossomed when his parents purchased a 20-hectare property in the Hunter Valley and planted the winery’s first vines.
After a Bachelor of Science degree and a post-graduate degree in Oenology, De Iuliis became the winemaker and owner of his family business, De Iuliis Wines. Unafraid of change, De Iuliis has continued to drive his family legacy forward during his time at the helm, expanding the winery with new and alternative varieties and, in turn, earning the business countless accolades.
In addition to being an award-winning winemaker, De Iuliis completed the Len Evans Tutorial in 2004 and has extensive experience as a Chair of Judge and a Panel Chair, both nationally and internationally. De Iuliis has been part of the Sydney Royal Panel since 2017.
“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 newly appointed Chair of Judges Mike De Iuliis.
“Sarah Crowe has done a fantastic job over the past three years, successfully guiding and protecting the integrity of the competition. She has ensured producers receive the vital feedback they require while equally celebrating those creating extraordinary wine.
“I have some big shoes to fill.”
When asked about the opportunity and what it means to be named Chair, De Iuliis said he looks forward to giving back to both his industry and the next generation.
“The ability to give back to an industry that has been so wonderful to me is something I am quite excited for; not many people get the opportunity,” De Iuliis said.
“It is also a great honour to help lead the next generation of wine judges and provide them with a platform to gain experience at one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious wine shows. Looking back, it does not feel like long ago that I was an aspiring up-and-coming wine show judge. I think it will be a lot of fun.”
“If you are a winner at Sydney Royal, it resonates quite loudly with the industry. As a winemaker, there is no greater feeling than winning at Sydney Royal.”
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