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 the Algarve 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 the 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, work ethic and integrity.
The thing we all loved about him was that he was in our corner.
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 a week ago as the international judge for the Sydney Royal Wine Show.
Matthew had returned twenty years after he first judged at the show.
“This was the finest-run, most enjoyable and most delicious show I have ever been invited to judge,” he said.
“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.
“You guys are making the best Chardonnays on earth today. Australian wine has never looked better.”
Positivity
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.
Matthew was proud that this year’s list was the biggest ever, with 320 Australian wines mentioned.
Many Australian winemakers and dignitaries attended his events in the UK.
Australia House in London was his second home.
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.
One article heaping praise on Australian fine wine finished with the words, “I hope this puts a spring in your step.”
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.
The homeless
Throughout his 40-year career in wine, Matthew was generous with his time and always looked for ways to give back to the community.
In 2005 Matthew founded Touch Wine in the Adelaide Parklands, an annual touch footy competition featuring various teams represented by 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 helping people.
When Matthew was a boy he played the piano at weekend sing-alongs 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.
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 – thousands – involved.
“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.”
Honorary Australian
Matthew’s many accolades included International Wine Communicator of the Year at Verona in 2002.
Such was his interest in, and promotion of, Australian wine, he was named Honorary Australian of the Year in 2010.
His 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 said simply, “Legend.”
Matthew is survived by his wife Amelia and children Rollo, Victor, Isadora and Elspeth.
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. We owe you a debt of gratitude.
Honorary Australian forever.
‘A beautiful human’
“Taken too young at prime of life. 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.” – Vanya Cullen
“Terrible news. Such a charismatic character and a true champion of Australian wine.” – David Bicknell
“The wine world has lost one of its greatest; a global champion of Australian wine like no other of our generation. This year marked Matthew’s 40th year in the wine trade. Matthew defined my career. He was my mentor, my exemplar of integrity, my inspiration of creative communication, my benchmark of philanthropy and most of all my dear friend for 22 years.” – Tyson Stelzer
“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.” – Sally Margan
“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.” – Danielle Bayard
“Rest easy, Jukesy. You were a gifted, rare and special talent, and so you shall remain. All the love and comfort possible to Amelia and family.” – Paul Henry
“Devastating news. Such a beautiful soul; warm, kind and unfailingly generous. We have lost our greatest champion. Heartbroken for the family. May perpetual light shine upon him.” – Tim Kirk
“Shocked and saddened and so much more… Heart and soul of pure goodness gone way too soon.” – Iggy Wines
“A dear friend and a wonderful advocate for Australian wine. His contribution to the wine world has been absolutely incredible. I’m so grateful we were friends for so very long. His championing of Australian wine is unparalleled. He was a magnificent international judge for the Sydney Royal Wine Show only a week ago. Too sad for Amelia and his adored children.” – Lyndey Milan
“How sad and what a fabulous supporter of Australian wine. He invested his own time and money to celebrate us all. And what a perfect lunch through to dinner partner. His kindness and wickedness were extraordinary. A thoughtful man.” – Kangarilla Road Winery
“Heartbreaking… a man who gave so much to our industry and that of Australian wine. Thank you Matthew. Condolences to his nearest and dearest. May his memory be eternal.” – George Kasimatis
• Please feel free to leave a tribute on this page or email info@madiganmedia.com.au.
Cover material. Matthew Jukes, WBM, November 2005.