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Cullen Wines
Diana and Dr Kevin Cullen arrived in Busselton from Tasmania in 1948. They began to purchase land in the Margaret River region for farming purposes. Studies carried out by renowned WA agronomist Dr. John Gladstones proved conclusively that Margaret River would be ideal for viticulture and particularly the production of quality wine. Dr Kevin Cullen and his wife Diana first tested this notion by planting a trial acre of vines in 1966. It was to mark the beginning of Margaret River as a wine region. Kevin and Di were so pleased with the results of the trial that they planted 18 acres of vines on their sheep and cattle farm. These initial varieties were Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling - being the only varieties they were able to source. The vineyard was extended to include Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The Merlot was the first to be planted in Margaret River. Diana Cullen finished her physiotherapy career to become the full time winemaker at Cullen Wines. She was the first woman to win a trophy at the Perth Royal Wine Show with a Sauvignon Blanc. In making this wine, Di pioneered the use of oak in white wine production in Western Australia. Margaret River artist, Ashley Jones, created the distinctive oak acorn and leaf symbol still seen today on all Cullen labels. Having achieved outstanding show successes over the years, Cullen stopped exhibiting in national wine shows, believing the wines could now be judged on their own merits. With demand for Cullen wines growing annually a new vineyard was planted to extend the acreage of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. After graduating from wine science at Roseworthy College, Vanya assumed the role of senior winemaker. In 1992 Vanya became a full judge and the second female wine judge in Australia. 1993 & 1994 Dr Kevin Cullen received citizen of the year award for the professions. He was included in the Australia Day Honours listing by receiving the Order of Australia (AM) for his contributions to medicine and viticulture. The Australian Medical Association presented him with its inaugural national award for his dedication and contribution to public health. He died shortly afterwards in February 1994. 1996 Extensions to the sales and restaurant building were completed. 1998 Cullen Wines became a company CULLEN WINES (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD with Diana Cullen as Chairperson and Vanya Cullen as Managing Director. The other shareholders are family members - Richard, Shelley, Stewart, Digby and Ariane Cullen. Diana Cullen awarded the Jack Mann trophy for her contribution to the Western Australian Wine Industry. 1999 Diana Cullen was also included in the Australia Day Honours listing receiving (AM) for her contributions and service to the Australian Wine Industry. 2000 Vanya Cullen became the Qantas/The Wine Magazine Winemaker of the year. She was the third recipient of this prize, the first Western Australian and the first woman to win the award. 2002 Diana Cullen awarded Life Award by the Margaret River Wine Industry
Association. View the Cullen wine list here >>
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In the early 1960's detailed climatic studies of various regions in Southwestern Australia revealed that during the winegrowing season, Margaret River's climate was similar to that of Bordeaux, particularly Pomerol. The conclusion that Margaret River was ideal for viticulture was first tested in Wilyabrup in 1966, when Diana and Kevin Cullen planted a trial acre of vines. The encouraging results led to the couple planting 18 acres of vines on their sheep and cattle farm in 1971.
Cullen Wines has since evolved into an estate specialising in quality wines from single vineyard sites. 