Cullen

Margaret River's Most Celebrated Biodynamic Estate

Diana and Kevin Cullen were among the first to recognise what Margaret River could become. In 1966 they planted a trial acre of vines at Wilyabrup - on the ancient soils of the Wadandi people, the traditional custodians of this remarkable land. By 1971 the full vineyard was established, and Cullen Wines was born. Their daughter Vanya took over the winemaking in 1989 and has driven the estate to heights her parents could only have dreamed of.

Today Cullen is widely regarded as one of Australia's greatest wine producers. The Diana Madeline Bordeaux blend and the Kevin John Chardonnay are benchmark wines for Margaret River. Ray Jordan awarded 98 points to both Diana Madeline 2022 and Kevin John Chardonnay 2024. The Vanya Cabernet Sauvignon, released only in the finest vintages, is among the most collectable wines made anywhere in the southern hemisphere.

Carbon Neutral, Biodynamically Certified, Uncompromisingly Pure

Cullen became the first winery in Australia to achieve carbon neutral certification. The vineyards are fully biodynamic, dry farmed, hand tended, and harvested at extremely low yields. Vanya's commitment to biodynamics drew comparison from James Halliday to the approach of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti - a comparison that speaks for itself.

On the estate, a Biodynamic Wine Room welcomes visitors to taste the wines alongside a seasonal menu. Cullen's biodynamic kitchen gardens supply over 90% of the fruit and vegetables used in the Dining Room. It is a place where wine, food, and land come together as a single expression.

Cullen wines are available at Great Little Vineyards at Orakei Bay Village in Remuera, Auckland, and online for delivery across New Zealand. Visit the Cullen Wines website to learn more about the estate and current releases.

What the Critics Say

"Elegance in wine can be ephemeral as concept or definition, but here's one for Encyclopaedia Britannica. Outstanding." - Mike Bennie, The Wine Front, on the 2015 Vanya, 97+ points

"Here's a sleek wine of exquisite perfume and balance that treads lightly, but surely through the palate. Dances, even. There's a quiet storm of graphite tannin, red and black fruits, a distinct pencil and mineral thing going on, clean fresh acidity, and a wonderfully long finish. It's rare to find a Cabernet with this level of poise and control. Yet again, Cullen is leading the pack." - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, on the 2016 Diana Madeline

"This is a tour de force: a powerful, rich, complex and full-bodied chardonnay with toasty, smoky, buttery aromas. It reveals more of itself the longer it's in the glass. An immensely satisfying glass of chardonnay." - Gourmet Traveller Wine, on the 2016 Kevin John Chardonnay

"A miraculous 12.5% and yet impeccably ripe. This wine is clearly reflective of its meager, ancient and stony soils. Long and sappy. Penetrative. This will age for twenty years." - James Suckling, on the 2009 Diana Madeline