The Australian wine industry is shocked and saddened by the passing of leading UK wine writer Matthew Jukes.
Matthew was on holiday with his family in Portugal at the time of his death.
He was a fierce and loyal supporter of Australian fine wine for more than 25 years – through the good times and truly terrible.
Matthew, 58, took a genuine interest in the Australian wine industry – and the broader community and its people – and was highly regarded for his prolific writing and work ethic.
A man of integrity, Matthew teamed up with his great Australian friend, Tyson Stelzer, for The Great Australian Red Wine competition and they also published several wine books together.
He was in Australia only two weeks ago as the international judge for the Sydney Royal Wine Show.
Matthew had returned twenty years after he first judged at the show.
He promoted Australian wine at every opportunity like no other UK wine writer did, saving the very best for his annual list of 100 Best Australian Wines.
Many Australian winemakers and dignatories attended his events in the UK.
Australia House in London was his second home.
Such was his interest in, and promotion of, Australian wine, he was named Honorary Australian of the Year in 2010.
Positivity
His enthusiasm, positivity and energy – about wine and life – rubbed off on all who met him.
Matthew occasionally contributed comments to WBM – Australia’s Wine Business Magazine and The Week That Was, invariably talking up the quality of Australian fine wine.
In the May-June 2025 issue Matthew wrote, “Nothing gives me more pleasure and pride than organising massive high-end, high-energy events accompanied by in-depth literature and detailed instructions on where to buy my favourite Australian wines.
“The UK consumers lap it up, and it’s only the wine trade that has yet to realise that Australian Fine Wine is a thrilling category that stands shoulder to shoulder with every other country’s finest creations.”
In 2020 Matthew branched out into non-alcoholic drinks and launched Jukes Cordiality, which is served in twenty Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide.
Throughout his almost 40-year career in wine, Matthew always looked for ways to give back to the community.
In 2005 Matthew founded Touch Wine in the Adelaide Parklands, an annual touch footy comp and wine tasting event made up of teams from wineries.
It raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Hutt Street Centre for the homeless in Adelaide and inspired similar fundraising projects in Victoria, NSW and Canberra.
Matthew appeared on the cover of WBM in November 2005 – just the eighth cover of the newly-launched magazine.
In that article he talked about his motivation for Touch Wine.
When Matthew was a boy he played the piano at weekend singalongs for stroke victims at a rehabilitation centre where his mum worked.
He was walking through the streets of Adelaide early one morning trying to clear his head after a long flight from London.
The homeless
Matthew was struck by the large number of homeless people in the parklands.
That is when he decided to do something about it, opening his contact book and getting everyone he knew in Australian wine – and beyond – involved.
When Matthew toured the Hutt Street Centre for the first time, it brought back a flood of memories.
“I walked around the Hutt Street Centre and was absolutely choked,” he said.
“It is the most unbelievable place on the planet, yet they need money desperately.”
After the recent Sydney Royal Wine Show, Matthew posted on Instagram, “This was the finest-run, most enjoyable and most delicious show I have ever been invited to judge.
“Australian wine has never been better and on the 21st of August the results will be announced of the exemplary wines that rose to the top of this show.”
He said later, “You guys are making the best Chardonnays on earth today. Australian wine has never looked better.”
Matthew’s many accolades included International Wine Communicator of the Year at Verona in 2002.
‘Beautiful human’
The tributes are pouring in from Australian winemakers.
“Taken too young at prime of life,” Vanya Cullen said on Instagram.
“Thank you Matthew for all you gave to the world of wine and Australian wine.
“Such a beautiful human, it’s just too sad. Condolences to family.”
David Bicknell said, “Terrible news. Such a charismatic character and a true champion of Australian wine.”
Sally Margan said, “So so sad. What a lovely man. I cherish my memories of spending time with him.
“All the love and hugs in the world to Amelia and their children.”
Danielle Bayard said, “Heartbreaking for Matthew’s beautiful family.
“Jukesy was so well loved. A great man of character, integrity, generosity and a lot of fun.
“He will be so sadly missed. Love to Amelia and family.”
Matthew’s support and encouragement of Australian winemakers was unwavering to the very end.
Just hours before his passing, Matthew commented on a WBM Instagram post about ex-Chapel Hill winemaker Michael Fragos joining Haselgove in McLaren Vale.
The post simply said, “Legend.”
Matthew is survived by his wife, Amelia, and sons Roland (9) and Victor (8).
Everyone at WBM and The Week That Was sends our sincere condolences to Amelia and the boys and extended family and friends.
Thanks for everything, Matthew. Honorary Australian forever.
• Please feel free to leave a tribute on this page or email [email protected].
Cover material. Matthew Jukes, WBM, November 2005.
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