Emeri De Bortoli

Company Chairperson

Emeri Cunial married the late Deen De Bortoli in 1958. A first generation Italo-Australian, her parents came from Northern Italy, her father Redento from Possagno and her mother Lidia from Cavaso Del Tomba.

Redento Cunial came to Australian in 1924 when he was just eighteen years old. He learned the language and adapted to the Australian lifestyle quickly. Redento was greatly respected by both the Italian and Australian communities and was often called upon as an interpreter in legal matters. He was recognised for his services by the Consul General of Italy in 1957. Emeri's mother Lidia Cunial was a professional tailor and dressmaker who worked at her craft right up to the year she died aged 87.

Deen and Emeri had four children, Darren, Leanne, Kevin and Victor who between them today run the $170 million per annum turnover family business. While Emeri prefers a behind the scenes role she has been very influential in contributing to the success of the family company. A sounding board for Deen when he was alive and now Company Chairperson, Emeri is closely involved with the family's business strategies.

A gifted cook and keen gardener, Emeri influenced the company's decision to incorporate a Northern Italian inspired restaurant at the De Bortoli Yarra Valley winery complex. It was one of the first Winery/Restaurants of its kind and a prototype for many that followed. The beautifully landscaped gardens at the De Bortoli Bilbul Yarra Valley and Bilbul wineries are also attributable to Emeri.

New and ongoing projects for Emeri include the 15 acre memorial gardens under construction at Bilbul as well as the beautification of the De Bortoli Hunter Valley winery.

Emeri and the family are looking to the future, consolidating and expanding on their considerable achievements and fulfilling Deen's vision.