For four decades, Cullen Wines has brought the world's finest Chardonnay together in one room. What began as a bold question, could Margaret River stand alongside the great wines of the world, has become one of the most anticipated gatherings in the Australian wine calendar.
A Benchmark for the World
The International Chardonnay Tasting began in 1985, when Dr Kevin John Cullen set out to answer a bold question: could the finest Chardonnay being produced in Margaret River stand alongside the greatest wines of the world? He established the tasting as a benchmark event, bringing together exceptional Chardonnay from across Australia and leading international regions. His belief was clear. Margaret River had the potential not only to compete with the world's best, but to belong among them.
Assessed on Quality Alone
More than four decades on, the tasting continues its original purpose. Each year, carefully selected wines from Margaret River, the Great Southern, California, Beechworth, Burgundy and South Africa are presented side by side in a structured blind tasting format. This approach allows each wine to be assessed purely on quality and expression, reinforcing the integrity of the event and the founding philosophy behind it.
How Chardonnay Has Grown
Over the decades, the tasting has become a powerful reflection of how Chardonnay itself has evolved. The wines of Margaret River in particular have grown in complexity, refinement and precision, an evolution that becomes more evident with each passing year. Today the event consistently sells out, drawing winemakers, industry leaders and wine lovers together to explore Chardonnay at its highest level.
