Vanya Cullen
managing director, Cullen Wines

There was no doubt in the minds of the judges that Vanya Cullen is the very worthy recipient of the drinks business 2008 Woman of the Year prize. Since 1989, when she became responsible for winemaking at her family’s Margaret River winery, Cullen has gained a reputation for being at the vanguard of producing wines to the most rigourous standards of organic and more recently, bio-dynamic, standards, attaining Grade A bio-dynamic certification from the Biological Farmers Association.

Exemplary viticulture lies at the heart of her success and her attention to detail has also seen her committment to environmental issues stretch still further as she has converted the winery to natural power sourced from nearby wind farms and by becoming the first carbon nuetral winery in Australia.

“Her dedication to running her business and making her wines in the most environmentally friendly way as possible is admirable,” said one of the judges. “Cullen has gained an international reputation for herself not only for producing quality wines in the most ‘green’ way but also for being instrumental in putting Margaret River on the map when it comes to producing high quality wines. Her committment to environmentally sustainable farming and commercial practices is an example to the drinks industry as a whole that you can run a successful business while looking after the environment.”

Click to see the award presentation at this years ceremony