Honouring excellence

The Cullen Award for Excellence

Honouring excellence

The Cullen Award for Excellence

Honouring excellence

The Cullen Award for Excellence

Honouring excellence

The Cullen Award for Excellence

A Legacy of Recognition

The Cullen Award for Excellence honours the contribution made to Western Australian wine by Dr Kevin Cullen and Diana Cullen, who together founded Cullen Wines in 1971. They had an unwavering belief in the potential of Western Australia to produce world-class wines and were dedicated to helping others in the industry achieve the same.

The award recognises individuals, companies, or institutions from anywhere in the world who contribute in a positive way towards promoting the Western Australian wine industry under the banners of Quality, Integrity, or Sustainability.

Vanya Cullen, Andrew Caillard MW, Shelly Cullen, Rick Cullen

Vanya Cullen OAM, Andrew Caillard MW, Shelly Cullen, Rick Cullen

2025 Recipient

Andrew Caillard MW

Recognised for his enduring contribution to the Western Australian wine industry, using his position as a respected Master of Wine to champion Margaret River on the world stage.

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Andrew's involvement in the creation of the Langton's Classification, and the inclusion of Western Australian wines in this internationally recognised benchmark, has had a lasting impact. As a respected author and fine wine auctioneer, he has played a pivotal role in documenting, promoting, and preserving Australia's wine heritage. His work, The Australian Ark: The Story of Australian Wine, 1788–2023, written over more than 15 years, stands as the most original and profound record of Australian wine of our time. Andrew's authoritative writings and market insights have helped elevate the reputation of the region's wines, reinforcing their standing among the world's finest.

John Jens, Jancis Robinson, Vanya Cullen OAM

2023 Recipient

Jancis Robinson OBE MW

Recognised for her exceptional contribution to promoting Western Australian wine and her advocacy of sustainable winemaking practices through her global platform as one of the world's most respected wine writers.

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Jancis discovered her passion for food and wine at Oxford before becoming the first person outside the wine trade to earn the Master of Wine title. She has authored numerous books, including The Oxford Companion to Wine, was honoured with an OBE in 2003, and later advised the Royal Household on its wine cellar. Her insightful, independent assessments brought international attention to Margaret River, enhancing its reputation for producing elegant, world-class wines. By championing authenticity, regional expression, and rigorous quality benchmarks, she elevated global perception and reinforced the importance of integrity among local producers.

(L - R) Digby Cullen, Vanya Cullen OAM, John Jens, Libby Mettam MLA, Shel Cullen, Bettina Mangan, Rick Cullen.

2021 Recipient

John Jens

Recognised for his significant contribution as a leader and passionate advocate for the Western Australian wine industry, spanning more than four decades of wholesale, retail, writing, and mentorship.

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John nurtured a love of fine wine from an early age, collecting 180 bottles of Penfolds Grange by 24. After attending Roseworthy College, he moved to Perth in 1977 and started his first wine wholesale operation in 1981, representing prominent names including Ashbrook Estate, Pierro, Moss Wood, and Cullen. He went on to manage liquor stores under the John Jens Fine Wine banner, was a founding partner in Devil's Lair Wines in 1990, and since 2007 has been sommelier for the Lamonts restaurants and retail outlets. John is widely respected for his commitment to transparency, his generous and charismatic mentorship, and his efforts to build a culture of trust and accountability within the industry.

(L – R) Shelley Cullen, Justin Horgan, Elizabeth Cullen, Rick Cullen, Tricia and Denis Horgan, Digby Cullen, Vanya Cullen OAM and Simone Furlong (nee Horgan).

2019 Recipient

The Horgan Family, Leeuwin Estate

Recognised for their outstanding contribution in promoting the excellence of Western Australian wine on the local, national, and international stage as pioneers of the Margaret River region.

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Tricia and Denis Horgan founded Leeuwin Estate in 1973, with their son and daughter Justin and Simone now joint CEOs. The family demonstrated a steadfast commitment to producing world-class wines while hosting the groundbreaking Leeuwin Estate concert series, which attracted world-class performers and thousands of visitors to Margaret River. Their first Art Series Chardonnay was named best Chardonnay in the world by Decanter in 1982 and still sits in the Langton's Classification as "exceptional." The Horgan Family's emphasis on consistency, authenticity, and long-term stewardship has set a benchmark for the wider industry.

Dr John Gladstones and Vanya Cullen OAM

2017 Recipient

Dr John Gladstones

Recognised for his transformative contribution as the pioneer who identified Margaret River's potential as a world-class wine region, with similar soil and climatic conditions to Bordeaux.

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On 21 July 1966, Dr Kevin Cullen organised a town meeting, inviting Dr Gladstones to speak about his findings to a group of farmers and interested locals. As a pioneering scientist and viticulturist, John applied rigorous research into climate, soil, and site suitability, demonstrating that Margaret River possessed ideal conditions for producing premium wines. His work provided the scientific foundation that guided vineyard establishment and varietal selection across the region. By advocating for careful site matching and environmentally attuned practices, he helped shape a sustainable approach to viticulture that has left a lasting legacy across the region's globally respected wine industry.

James Halliday AM and Vanya Cullen OAM

Inaugural 2016 Recipient

James Halliday AM

Recognised for his profound contribution to the Western Australian wine industry through decades of meticulous wine reviews, publishing, and advocacy that set rigorous standards for excellence.

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James's influential guides and ratings brought national and international attention to Western Australia's premium wine regions, helping elevate their reputation while rewarding authenticity and craftsmanship. By consistently championing transparency, honest assessment, and respect for regional character, he not only shaped consumer trust but also inspired winemakers to pursue sustainable, high-quality practices that continue to define the Western Australian industry today.

Wilyabrup, Margaret River

The Cullen Family Legacy