Her considerable knowledge has no doubt been augmented by wide experience in the industry elsewhere in the world, which includes vintages at the famous Mondavi Winery in California and Drouhins of Burgundy. Then there is also her busy annual wine judging schedule.

Cullen wines are among the region's finest, with the Chardonnay and famed Cabernet Merlot being among the best in Australia and much in demand internationally.

The Cullen Chardonnay has long been an exemplary wine and one which keeps improving with the aging of the vines. It has a wonderfully tight structure featuring masses of concentrated fruit.

Fermented in new oak and left to linger on lees, the soft butterscotch, almond, apricot and melon characters sit with consummate elegance on the palate.

This wine is pitted against the world's best at the annual Chardonnay Tasting held at Cullen Winery each October. The event has become a delightful tradition in Willyabrup.

"Bacchus Escapes" - Penny Hudson

The same high praise applies to the Cabernet Merlot. The bouquet of this wine is drenched in blackcurrant while the palate is a medley of rich, well-balanced fruit integrated with a soft oak nuance. The sweet fruit on the palate melts into a fine austerity to give balance and complete style on the finish. This is inspired use of the cabernet, merlot and cabernet franc components. A truly great wine with tremendous aging potential.

The rustic winery has much to offer the visitor. Major renovations to the wine tasting and restaurant area in 1997 have further enhanced the ambience of the building and allow the winery to cater for more visitors, of which there is a constant stream.

The rustic stone-walled dining area faces onto the vineyard, giving a magnificent panoramic view of the vines through the windows and from the verandah. Visitors will be delighted with the menu, prepared by resident French chefs Jean-Louis Charron and Jean-Francois Curti.

Cullen wines are distinctive and of consistently high quality. This pioneering family has done much to consolidate Margaret River's reputation as one of the world's foremost premium wine regions.