De Iuliis Wines

De Iuliis Wines sits in Pokolbin, the beating heart of the Hunter Valley, where the family has been producing wine since 1990. The operation carries the spirit of its Italian heritage into a region that has its own deep winemaking traditions — a pairing that shows in their focused approach to a small selection of Hunter Valley classics.

The Wines

The portfolio centres on three varieties: semillon, shiraz, and verdelho. It's a deliberately tight range, and one that suits the Hunter Valley well. Semillon is arguably the region's most celebrated white, capable of ageing into something complex and honeyed from what starts as a lean, citrusy young wine. Shiraz here tends to express itself differently to warmer growing regions — earthier, more medium-bodied, with savoury notes that have become a hallmark of Hunter Valley red. Verdelho rounds out the range as a fuller-bodied white with tropical character, a variety that has found a comfortable home in the region.

Cellar Door Experience

The cellar door is open for tastings and reflects the winery's Italian family background in its character and presentation. You can work through the core range across semillon, shiraz, and verdelho, with a wine shop stocking the full selection for take-home purchases. Tours are also available, making it worth getting in touch with the winery ahead of your visit if you'd like a more in-depth look at the operation.

Tasting fees and any group booking requirements are best confirmed directly through the De Iuliis website or by contacting them before you arrive.

Getting There

De Iuliis is located in Pokolbin, roughly two hours north-west of Sydney via the New England Highway. The property is caravan-friendly for day visits, though it's worth checking ahead if you're arriving in a larger vehicle. Like much of the Hunter Valley, Pokolbin has limited public transport, so most visitors travel by car. This works in your favour when it comes to exploring the broader region — the area has a high concentration of cellar doors within easy driving distance of one another.

Visitor Tips

• Check opening hours before heading out — visit deiuliis.com.au for current hours and any upcoming events.
• Prioritise the semillon if you're new to Hunter Valley wines. It's the variety the region does unlike anywhere else in Australia.
• Time your visit well. Harvest runs from February to April and brings a lively atmosphere to the valley. Autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November) offer pleasant conditions for wine touring. Summer can be quite hot, and while winter is quieter, it's still a manageable time to visit.
• Make a day of it. De Iuliis pairs well with neighbouring cellar doors — Pokolbin's concentration of wineries makes it easy to visit several in a single day.