A Moonlit Dinner with Vanya Cullen

Join Vanya Cullen, Chief Winemaker and Managing Director of Cullen Wines, within our immersive To the Moon exhibition to be guided through an exquisite five-course dinner paired with highly acclaimed Cullen wines.

Vanya Cullen is a respected and renowned winemaker, known for her sustainable viticultural practices; and a leader in biodynamic and organic farming. In 2019 Vanya was named Halliday’s Winemaker of the Year, Australia’s most prestigious wine award. In 2023, Vanya joined the ranks of her mother and father by becoming a recipient of an Order of Australia for her services to viticulture and oenology.

With a deep respect for the land, Vanya brings holistic principles into the winery such as gentle hand-harvested fruit, fermenting using wild yeast and religiously following the biodynamic calendar. Put simply, biodynamic viticulture is a philosophy combining the maintenance of sustainable soil fertility and the recognition of the link between plant growth and the rhythms of the cosmos. As tides rise and fall in a pulsing rhythm, so does the sap of plants and all other liquids including those within the earth’s mantle. 

Vanya will dive deep into biodynamics and the influence the rhythm of the Moon has on life here on Earth, all in the magical setting of the To the Moon exhibition featuring Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon large-scale moon installation.

With a menu designed by Heyder & Shears Executive Chef, Stephen Watson, to perfectly compliment five of Cullen Wines' finest drops, book your tickets now for a truly unforgettable evening.

Check out the menu here. 

Vanya Cullen, Chief Winemaker and Managing Director at Cullen Wines is a pioneer of biodynamic grape-growing, an award-winning winemaker and respected wine show judge. Over the past decades, Vanya has transformed her family firm from one of Margaret River’s best into one of the country’s premium boutique wineries. Cullen Wines while remaining family owned has since evolved making quality wine from a certified Biodynamic, Carbon Neutral and naturally powered estate. Exemplary viticulture lies at the heart of her success but so too, does care and thorough attention to detail in the winery. 

Stephen Watson, Executive Chef at Heyder & Shears is a highly respected and humble culinary expert. With extensive experience in both restaurants and catering, he has led the company to produce exquisite cuisine on a large scale, consistently surpassing client expectations. Stephen is passionate about showcasing the exceptional quality and diverse flavours of Western Australian produce, prioritizing local growers and sustainable practices. His culinary creations have graced prestigious events like the exclusive Gourmet Escape Beach BBQ and the elegant Shinju Matsuri.

Darcy Maishman, Jazz Pianist is a seasoned pianist with over half a decade of professional experience, known for his versatility across a variety of genres from Jazz to Pop, and Classical repertoire. Over the years, Darcy has had the privilege of performing alongside renowned musicians such as John Patitucci, Tom Scott, Alan Broadbent, and many distinguished Perth alumni. These collaborations have profoundly influenced Darcy's musical style, infusing their performances with a blend of technical mastery and expressive artistry.