Dr Tom Cullity was a Perth Cardiologist with a dream to make wine. Searching for new opportunity south of Perth, he became aware of studies into Margaret River’s viticulture potential in the mid 1960s and set out on a journey to find the perfect plot of land.

After a year searching and scouring endless sites, he finally found what he believed to be his ideal land of,  “red gravel in redgum country, with clay about 18 inches below the surface.” The plot was $75 an acre, and with the acquisition of eight, he began his Vasse Felix vineyard.

In the early years Dr Cullity would drive his Peugeot down the largely unsealed road to Margaret River on a five hour journey to nurture his vines. He made this trip most weekends, residing in a galvanised iron shed before returning home to his cardiology practice during the week.

While the first vintage was a disaster, the second Vasse Felix vintage led to him crafting the 1972 Riesling and the 1972 Cabernet Sauvignon which captured the world's interest in Margaret River wine.

MARGARET RIVER WINE REGION EARLY HISTORY

1956 Professor Harold Olmo from the University of California notes Australia’s ‘South West’ as a potential premium wine region.

1965 A paper by agricultural scientist Dr John Gladstones pinpoints the potential of Margaret River region and references similarities in climatic data from Bordeaux.
 

1967 Dr Tom Cullity plants first vines at Vasse Felix to found Margaret River’s first vineyard and winery.
 

1972 The 1972 Riesling wins Gold at the Perth Royal Show, creating more interest in Margaret River’s potential.

The first Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon vintage is made.

1987 The Holmes à Court Family acquires Vasse Felix.