Wilyabrup, History & Heritage
Cullen Wines respectfully acknowledges the Wadandi people, past and present, traditional custodians of the land on which our wines are grown.
Cullen Wines sits upon the ancient soils of Wilyabrup, the place of red ochre, the “sweet spot” of the Margaret River wine growing region.
Dr Kevin John Cullen and Diana Madeline Cullen were ready to plant lupins in 1965 when a good friend Dr John Gladstones advised against it. He’d just completed a study on wine growing and knew the Cullens had the land to make the best quality wines.
Dr Gladstones described Wilyabrup as being the sweet spot of the Margaret River region, most favourable for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. It benefits from cold winds from the south and warm winds from the north. Gladstones’ now-famous 1966 report compared our climate to that of Bordeaux, and many regard him as the founder of Margaret River’s wine region.
Kevin John Cullen called the first grape growers meeting in Busselton and initiated trials with the Minchins, Sue and Geoff Juniper and other families involved.
Cullen planted vines in 1971, and our two Wilyabrup vineyards are certified biodynamic and carbon negative.
Wilybrup is a region in its own right, with distinct flavours and climate, and in 1999 Cullen and Moss Wood held the first sub regional tasting to celebrate the history and future of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay grown here.
We invite you, fellow tree lovers, to sit at our Wannang – peppermint tree table which was crafted from 400-year-old redgum atop the Wannang – peppermint. Taste our biodynamic wines around the table, relax within nature and honour this magical sentient being – connect to country through wine tasting.
WANNANGA- BOORNA
“As l search the soil, like tentacles spreading my roots feed from the earth/ boodjara, giving me food n strength to grow. My silver bark thickens like a cocoon keeping me warm and is a haven for my insect brothers n sisters. My slender leaves dance in the wind providing food n protection for Gnuraren- western ring tailed possum. My wadandi friends admire me, & keep me trimmed using my leaves for medicine, my unwanted branches for ceremonies & always giving thanks to me for my provision. Now l am a grandmother, for many generations I’ve listened to stories of the Elders, watched children play, sung with the birds and nurtured many generations animals. Since my birth many nations have sat beneath my shabeneath too, share their stories & languages upon Doorga- the wind. Finally my life-force has given enough. It’s my time to go back to the earth & rest but until l dissolve, l share with you my last purpose, through “these seats” l share my stories, my knowledge, my wisdom my strength n final comfort . For l am a proud strong Wannang- Peppermint tree” Co Written by Toni n Wayne Webb- Pibulmun Wadandi Yungunjarli Southwest WA…..
We lost a beloved Wannang – peppermint tree earlier this year and in the place where the tree grew we have created a storytelling and wine tasting table. Taste our biodynamic wines, reflect on the vital components of sustainable land care and hear stories about what the Wannang tree might have seen over its long life.
The tree inexplicably fell down on Friday 8th May 2021, and we want to honour this tree and all its grace and beauty. It gave us wonderful shade, blossom for bees, a place for children to play and beautiful sound when a breeze blew through its leaves. This magnificent sentient being would have recorded all the comings and goings of staff and customers, the planting of the vines and fifty vintages as well as conversations between friends and lovers. Many a birthday and engagement were celebrated in the shade of this beautiful tree.
The Wannang tree was here long before we arrived, and it knows stories from before European settlers started clearing the land. Cullen Wines sits upon the ancient soils of Wilyabrup, the place of red ochre, the “sweet spot” of the Margaret River wine growing region. We honour 65,000 years of Wadandi sustainable landcare by practicing sustainable biodynamic and organic wine growing, doing right by the flora and fauna that call Wilyabrup home.
Cullen wine comes from the heart of the land rather than the mind of the winemaker. Our job is to be custodian to the land, to acknowledge the Wadandi people as the traditional custodians with respect, and to look after the ancient Wilyabrup land.
We have an abundance of Wannang – peppermint trees around our Biodynamic Wine Room and dotted throughout the estate. Considered women’s trees by traditional custodians, the Wannangs – peppermints were used for building huts, smoking and cleansing, the leaves were chewed and used for cooking meat or fish on the fire.
Biodynamic Wine tasting Experience at the Wannang / Peppermint Tree Table
So, we invite you, fellow tree lovers, to sit at our Wannang – peppermint tree table which was crafted from 400-year-old redgum atop the Wannang – peppermint. Taste our biodynamic wines around the table, relax within nature and honour this magical sentient being – connect to country through wine tasting.
One of our Biodynamic Tasting Room team will guide you through a selection of wines, including the ‘sunshine in a glass’ Sauvignon Blanc Semillon of the Cullen and Mangan vineyards, our supernatural Amber and Mangan reds and the iconic Diana Madeline and Kevin John which are named after Cullen’s co-founders Diana and Dr Kevin Cullen. Compliment your tasting with a Biodynamic Tasting plate using local native ingredients.
Following the tasting, take a self-guided tour of our Biodynamic Spiral Garden and stay for a delicious four-course lunch in the Biodynamic Wine Room overlooking the vineyard.
Enquire about a Wanning / Peppie Tree Experience or call us on Phone (08) 9755 5277
Please note:
- Bookings preferably taken two weeks in advance
- Additional $30 fee per group on top of seated tasting experience fees
- Subject to weather
