The region owes its wine beginnings to Dr John Gladstones, who declared the soils and climate perfect for grape growing in the late 1960's after extensive scientific work. His story can be read in the November/ December 2005 issue of Wine Industry Journal.
Read the article here.
A Vision of Fine Wine was published by the Margaret River Wine Industry Association in 1997 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Margaret River wine region. It gives the history of the region directly from some of key people involved establishing the Margaret River wine industry. Read some of the chapters below.
The story of Vasse Felix, and Dr Tom Cullity
The story of Moss Wood, and Dr Bill Pannell
The story of Cullen's Wines, and Di Cullen
The story of Cape Mentelle, and David Hohnen
The story of Leeuwin Estate, and Denis Horgan
The story of Cape Clairault Wines, and Ian & Ani Lewis
The story of Xanadu, and John & Eithne Lagan
The story of Redgate Wines, and Bill Ulllinger
The story of Happs, and Erl Happ
Dr Gladstones Letter to the Editor in the Busselton Margaret Times (below) prompted Dr Tom Cullity and Dr Kevin Cullen into action. Both men planted vines in 1967, establishing Cullen Wines and Vasse Felix.
