CHRONOLOGY
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CVs   Diana Cullen  Kevin Cullen  Vanya Cullen
     
1948   Diana and Dr Kevin Cullen arrived in Busselton from Tasmania in 1948. They began to purchase land in the Margaret River region for farming purposes
     
1966   Studies carried out by renowned WA agronomist Dr. John Gladstones proved conclusively that Margaret River would be ideal for viticulture and particularly the production of quality wine.  Dr Kevin Cullen and his wife Diana first tested this notion by planting a trial acre of vines in 1966.  It was to mark the beginning of Margaret River as a wine region.
     
   
     
1971   Kevin and Di were so pleased with the results of the trial that they planted 18 acres of vines on their sheep and cattle farm. These initial varieties were Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling – being the only varieties they were able to source.
     
   
   
The Cullen family, 1978
     
1976to 1978   The vineyard was extended to include Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The Merlot was the first to be planted in Margaret River.
     
1981to 1989   Diana Cullen finished her physiotherapy career to become the full time winemaker at Cullen Wines.  She was the first woman to win a trophy at the Perth Royal Wine Show with a Sauvignon Blanc.  In making this wine, Di pioneered the use of oak in white wine production in Western Australia.
     
1984   Margaret River artist, Ashley Jones, created the distinctive oak acorn and leaf symbol still seen today on all Cullen labels.
     
   
     
1986   Having achieved outstanding show successes over the years, Cullen stopped exhibiting in national wine shows, believing the wines could now be judged on their own merits.
     
1988   With demand for Cullen wines growing annually a new vineyard was planted to extend the acreage of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot.
     
1989   After graduating from wine science at Roseworthy College, Vanya assumed the role of senior winemaker.
     
1992   Vanya became a full judge and the second female wine judge in Australia.
     
1993to 1994   Dr Kevin Cullen received citizen of the year award for the professions.  He was included in the Australia Day Honours listing by receiving the Order of Australia (AM) for his contributions to medicine and viticulture. The Australian Medical Association presented him with its inaugural national award for his dedication and contribution to public health. He died shortly afterwards in February 1994.
     
1995   Mangan Vineyard planted.
     
1996   Extensions to the sales and restaurant building were completed.
     
   
     
1998   Cullen Wines became a company CULLEN WINES (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD with Diana Cullen as Chairperson and Vanya Cullen as Managing Director. The other shareholders are family members – Richard, Shelley, Stewart, Digby and Ariane Cullen.  Diana Cullen awarded the Jack Mann trophy for her contribution to the Western Australian Wine Industry.
     
1999   Diana Cullen was also included in the Australia Day Honours listing receiving (AM) for her contributions and service to the Australian Wine Industry.
     
2000   Vanya Cullen became the Qantas/The Wine Magazine Winemaker of the year.  She was the third recipient of this prize, the first Western Australian and the first woman to win the award.
     
   
     
2002   Diana Cullen awarded Life Award by the Margaret River Wine Industry Association
     
2003   The Western Australian wine industry acknowledged Diana Cullen by naming an award in her honour. The Di Cullen Memorial Award will recognise an outstanding contribution by an individual to the industry.
     
2004   Cullen Vineyard certified Organic "A" Grade with the Biological Farmers Association of Australia.
     
2004   Diana Cullen was inducted into the Agricultural Hall of Fame.The Agricultural Hall of Fame recognises Western Australian pioneers of the land who have made an outstanding contribution to the development and progress of agriculture.
     
2005   Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot upgraded to Exceptional in the Langtons Classification.
     
2008   Vanya Cullen was awarded the UK Drinks Magazine Woman of the Year 2008 for her dedication and commitment to the industry, and showing that you can have a successful business whilst looking after the environment.
     
2008   Cullen Winery is certified "A" grade Biodynamic by the Biological Farmers Association of Australia.
     
2010   The Decanter World Wine Awards 2010, one of the worlds most renowned and well respected wine shows, awarded Cullen Wines the top prize for it’s 2007 Kevin John Chardonnay.
     
2011   Vanya Cullen was awarded the “Green Personality of the Year” award for her efforts in sustainability from The Drinks Business Magazines’ 2011 Green Awards.
     
2011   July marks the fourtieth anniversary of the first plantings of vines on the Cullen family property at Wilyabrup in Margaret River.

 

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