Cullen Wines is a certified biodynamic, carbon neutral and naturally powered estate, with a philosophy summed up in three simple words: ‘Quality, Integrity and Sustainability’. Celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, it is one of the oldest and most awarded family wineries in Western Australia’s famous Margaret River region. First established in 1971 by Dr Kevin and Diana Cullen, the winery has built an outstanding reputation for biodynamic wines that receive excellent critical acclaim.

Diana and Kevin’s youngest daughter Vanya, who has worked at the winery since 1983, became Chief Winemaker in 1989 and Managing Director in 1999. She has worked tirelessly to develop the winery over this time, first introducing organic farming in 1998 and then, in 2004, seeing it classified as a fully certified biodynamic estate. In 2000, she was named the Qantas/The Wine Magazine Winemaker of the Year, becoming the first Western Australian, and the first woman, to do so. In 2019, celebrating 30 years at the helm, Vanya received double Winemaker of the Year honours at both the Australian Women in Wine Awards and the Halliday Wine Companion Awards. James Halliday, Australia’s best-known critic, said: “Her commitment to improving Cullen Wines while leaving the world a better place is reflected in the winery’s carbon-neutral and naturally powered status.”

All wines produced here are sourced from grapes grown on the Cullen and adjoining Mangan Vineyards in Wilyabrup, a sub-region of Margaret River. To promote this part of Margaret River, Vanya Cullen has decided to specify Wilyabrup on the Cullen label. Together with a handful of other premium wineries from the area, Cullen are applying for Wilyabrup to have its own Geographical Indication. Both Cullen sites in Wilyabrup are certified biodynamic and the wines are made with no additions of yeast, acid or tannins.

Kevin Cullen grew up in Western Australia and was the first person to receive a Medical Doctorate from the University of Western Australia. He was an outstanding student and in 1941 was invited to Melbourne University to continue his medical studies. It was here that he met and fell for the enigmatic young Physiotherapy student, Diana Adams. Together, they founded Cullen Wines in 1971 and became beloved, pioneering figures within Margaret River winemaking.
 
‘Kevin John’ is named in homage to Kevin Cullen, made from old vine Chardonnay planted between 1976 and 1988, predominantly GinGin and Wente clones.
 
The 2024 vintage was the hottest, driest and earliest harvest on record at Cullen Wines. Rainfall stopped suddenly at the end of September (2023), with virtually no rain until May 2024. The warm weather accelerated the growing season, encouraging a January harvest at optimal ripeness, which was completed within just a few days.
 
The grapes for ‘Kevin John’ were harvested over five picks between 11th and 19^th January 2024. The grapes were whole bunch pressed into puncheons, of which 50% were new. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation took place with indigenous yeasts. The wine was aged for six months. No fining or filtration.

N.B. Due into stock soon - please email info@cellarselect.co.uk for eta or if you would like to buy inc duty and vat.