Cullen Wines

Cullen Wines is a family-owned winery in Western Australia's Margaret River region, established in 1971 by Dr Kevin and Diana Cullen and now celebrating over 50 years of winemaking. What sets Cullen apart is their commitment to biodynamic certification, carbon neutrality, and natural energy—a philosophy distilled into three principles: Quality, Integrity and Sustainability. Under the direction of Chief Winemaker Vanya Cullen since 1989, the estate introduced organic farming in 1998 and achieved full biodynamic certification in 2004. Vanya Cullen stands among the world's most accomplished winemakers of her era, earning recognition both within Australia and across international wine communities.

About Cullen Wines

Cullen operates two biodynamically farmed estate holdings within Wilyabrup—a distinct growing area that forms part of Margaret River. The original 'Cullen' vineyard, planted between 1971 and 1988, sits on granite and gravelly sandy loam over lateritic subsoil. The adjacent 'Mangan' vineyard, planted 1995–1997, shares similar soil composition. Both are dry-farmed with deliberately low yields to concentrate flavour. Hand-pruning and selective replanting ensure the vineyards remain vigorous and expressive of their terroir. All Cullen wines are now labelled as Wilyabrup to promote this distinct growing area within Margaret River.

Vanya Cullen's dedication to sustainable viticulture has earned her an Order of Australia (OAM) in 2023 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Margaret River Wine Association in 2025. Her influence extends across the global winemaking community as a practitioner and advocate for environmentally conscious viticulture. The winery's flagship wines—'Diana Madeline' Cabernet Sauvignon and 'Kevin John' Chardonnay—honour her parents' legacy. This continuity of family stewardship, combined with investment in the land and rigorous attention to detail, ensures Cullen's wines maintain their reputation five decades on.

Cullen Wines Wines in Our Collection

The 2024 Kevin John Wilyabrup Chardonnay is Cullen's flagship white and a benchmark for Margaret River Chardonnay. This wine received 96 points from our aggregated critics (James Suckling: 98, Winepilot: 97, Jane Anson: 98, The Wine Front: 94), with a Vivino score of 4.4. It represents the estate's signature style: complex, buttery, and age-worthy. For those seeking to explore the estate's red wines and heritage releases, Cullen's Cabernet Sauvignon offerings—particularly the 'Diana Madeline' bottling—demonstrate the same precision and biodynamic philosophy applied to Margaret River's classic varietal. These are wines that reward cellaring and work equally well at the table today. Whether you're discovering Margaret River or building a collection of sustainable, seriously made Australian wines, Cullen offers consistent excellence across both white and red production.

Food Pairing

The Kevin John Chardonnay's buttery complexity pairs beautifully with creamy seafood dishes—crab risotto, lobster thermidor, or pan-seared scallops with beurre blanc. Its acidity and weight also suit roasted chicken with herb butter, white fish with hollandaise, or soft cheeses such as Camembert. Cullen's Cabernet Sauvignon works with beef and lamb dishes, particularly slow-cooked casseroles, duck confit, or grilled steaks with peppercorn sauce. The wines' elegant structure complements rather than overwhelms the table.

What does biodynamic certification mean for Cullen's wines?

Biodynamic farming, certified since 2004, treats the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem using natural preparations and lunar cycles. It builds on Cullen's organic practices introduced in 1998, enhancing soil health and vineyard resilience.

Who is Vanya Cullen and why does she matter?

Vanya has been Chief Winemaker since 1989 and Managing Director since 1999. She's recognised as one of the great winemakers of her generation. She received the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2023 and the Margaret River Wine Association's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025.

What is Wilyabrup and why do Cullen label it prominently?

Wilyabrup is a subregion within Margaret River where Cullen's two estate vineyards sit. Cullen now labels all wines as Wilyabrup to establish it as a distinct, recognised growing area known for quality and sustainable viticulture.

Who makes Cullen Wines?

Cullen Wines is a family-owned winery established in 1971 by Dr Kevin and Diana Cullen in Margaret River, Western Australia. Chief Winemaker Vanya Cullen has directed the estate since 1989.

What style of wine does Cullen make?

Cullen makes biodynamic wines from Wilyabrup, Margaret River. Their whites blend Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon; reds feature Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec. The flagship Kevin John Chardonnay scored 96 points—buttery and complex.

How much does Cullen wine cost?

Cullen wines at SommPills range between £25 and £109. Entry-level whites and reds start around £25–£30; premium Diana Madeline and Kevin John releases reach £96–£109.