Despite a few good humoured differing claims, the Cullen family were the first to plant vines in the Margaret River Wine Region.

The late Dr. Kevin Cullen and his wife Diana planted a trial acre in 1966 following a highly favourable report by agronomist Dr. John Gladstones. But they did not harvest the sample patch.

Next door, Vasse Felix's original owner Dr. Tom Cullity soon followed suit in 1967 with larger initial plantings of several varieties, from which he produced the first vintage.

But the Cullen clan were fully committed to producing premium wines and they were back at it in 1971, when they planted cabernet sauvignon, malbec, riesling and traminer on their prime Willyabrup property.

Their first wines were made three years later and proved very successful. Further plantings in 1976 of sauvignon blanc and merlot were not only the first on the Cape, but have been the thrust behind some outstanding wines ever since.

Di Cullen assumed the mantle of winemaker in 1981, when Kevin became more deeply involved in medical research and his landmark Busselton Health Survey, an internationally renowned long-term study which continues today.

Di carried on the winemaking with great distinction and innovation until she handed over duties to daughter Vanya in 1989, who had worked closely with her throughout the '80s. The wines have continued to become increasingly refined - not to mention sought after! There is now 70 acres under vines.