After an incredible 35-year career at De Bortoli Wines, Senior Winemaker Julie Mortlock has decided to hang up her hat—leaving behind a permanent mark on the Riverina wine region and the Australian wine industry. Her journey, which began unexpectedly in a laboratory, blossomed into a remarkable career where she became a champion of fortified wines, stewarded the iconic Noble One Botrytis Semillon, and inspired many aspiring winemakers.
Julie’s journey with De Bortoli Wines started much like her early career in the dairy industry—rooted in the science of lab work. Growing up on a dairy farm, Julie never anticipated becoming a winemaker. In fact, her early ambitions were to be a chef, but a love for science set her on a different path. Her decision to join De Bortoli in 1989 as a laboratory technician marked the beginning of a new adventure.
As she worked closely with the winemakers, Julie’s curiosity grew, and with the encouragement from senior winemakers, she began pursuing a winemaking degree at Charles Sturt University. With a strong foundation in science, Julie quickly transitioned from laboratory technician to winemaker’s assistant, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
From the very beginning, fortified wines sparked her passion. “Watching them change and develop with age, and being able to put the blends together from many different aged parcels are the joys of the job,” Julie says. Her role as custodian of De Bortoli’s extensive fortified portfolio allowed her to indulge in this passion daily, blending science and wine.
Julie has expertly stewarded the legendary Noble One over many years, which remains one of Australia’s most iconic and awarded wines to this day. She was handed the reins to Noble One by Darren De Bortoli, the wine’s creator, who praises her for refining the wine while maintaining its distinctive pedigree. Darren’s faith in Julie’s talent was well-placed, as she guided Noble One through years of accolades and international acclaim.
For over 30 years, she has ensured that each vintage stays true to its origins while continuing to evolve. Her commitment to this legacy has earned her the nickname "Queen of Botrytis" from wine writer Huon Hooke — a title she holds with both pride and humility.
However, Julie’s contributions to De Bortoli’s wine portfolio extend far beyond her work with Noble One Botrytis Semillon. She also made significant impacts in making red wines and created the Deen Vat 5 Botrytis Semillon, which further strengthened her position in fortified winemaking. The 2020 Deen Vat 5 has received remarkable recognition, winning three trophies for Best Sweet White at the 2024 Sydney Wine Show, the 2024 Brisbane Wine Show, and the 2024 Australian Sweet Wine Show. Julie credits this success to the dedication and teamwork of the De Bortoli family.
Julie’s passion extends to the broader Riverina region, where she continues to be a strong advocate for the quality of wines produced in the area. "I’ve always believed in the potential of this region," Julie says. “The climate, the people, and the wines here are something truly special, and I wanted the world to see that."
Julie’s contributions to the industry go beyond the wines she has created. As a trailblazer in a male-dominated field, she has been a role model for women pursuing careers in winemaking. Julie’s hard work, dedication, and achievements have inspired many women in the Riverina region and beyond. Her advice to aspiring female winemakers? “If it is your passion, anything is possible. Being a woman shouldn’t make any difference to following your dreams.”
This year, Julie was honoured with the ‘Riverina Legends’ Award at the 2024 Riverina Wine Show, a tribute to her remarkable career that has shaped the future of winemaking in the region. Notably, she stands as the only woman among the five Riverina Legends, showcasing her pioneering spirit in an industry where women are often underrepresented.
In addition to this recognition, Julie's career has been punctuated by a series of impressive accolades, including being shortlisted for the 'Sweet Winemaker of the Year' at the International Wine Challenge in 2016, and receiving the multiple accolades Noble One has garnered over the years, including "Sweet Wine of the Year" in the 2024 Perth Royal Wine Show Awards.
As Julie steps away from her role at De Bortoli Wines, her impact as a winemaker is undeniable. Her talent, passion, and humility have earned her the respect of her peers and the admiration of wine lovers around the world. As Darren De Bortoli aptly puts it, “Julie Mortlock is like family. She has seen the ups and downs of the wine industry and has always been a steady hand.” Her contributions to De Bortoli Wines and to the Riverina wine region will not be forgotten.
Julie’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter, but her advocacy and inspiration for future generations of female winemakers will continue to resonate in the industry. Here’s to a truly extraordinary career!
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