Vasse Felix: A Pioneer in Margaret River
Vasse Felix was established in 1967 by Dr. Thomas Brendan Cullity, a respected cardiologist from Western Australia. During his time at the National Heart Hospital in Britain in the 1950s, Dr. Cullity discovered the great table wines of Europe. Guided by the research of Professor Harold Olmo (1955) and Dr. John Gladstones (1965), he searched obsessively for the perfect plot of land. Their recommendations pointed to “red gravel in redgum country, with clay about 18 inches below the surface.” Dr. Cullity eventually settled on a small parcel of land—now the Vasse Felix Home Vineyard—by the Wilyabrup Brook, where he planted 8 hectares of vines.
The winery specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, alongside Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blends that reflect the strength of the terroir. These varieties are grown in three vineyards across Margaret River, then vinified and bottled in the modern winery at the main vineyard overlooking the Wilyabrup Brook.
A Wine Dinner in Paradise
The iconic beachfront InterContinental Bali Resort truly represents the paradise of Bali—set on the white sands of Jimbaran Bay with picturesque sunsets. An exclusive wine dinner unites these two paradises at Bella Cucina, serving seasonal Mediterranean delicacies perfectly paired with outstanding wines from Vasse Felix.
The first course start with Butter poached Lobster Tail, Young coconut Ceviche, Kaffir lime gel, rambutan shallot peach pairing with Vasse Felix Filius Chardonnay 2022 the vibrant and fresh with high acidity with pronounce lifted saline mineral tones with expressive white nectarine, candied lemon, pineapple with nutty notes, pairing beautifully with the creamy butter poached Lobster tail with fresh kaffir lime, creating mouthwatering sensation lead to perfect appetizer for the complex dinner.
The second dish is wild Mushroom Tortellini served with temu kunci-infused mushroom consommé, kemangi oil, and bunga kecombrang petals. It is paired with the award-winning Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay 2021, which was named one of James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of the World in 2022 and received a 98-point rating from Ray Jordan's WA Wine Review in 2024. This full-bodied wine has a long finish, powered by complex aging in French oak barriques (52% new, 48% 1-3 years old) for 16 months. Its taut acid lines provide strength and power, complementing the intense mushroom flavors and kecombrang aroma of the dish.
The third course features fire-grilled chicken roulade with spiced cashew potato purée, lemongrass, burnt corn purée, sambal emulsion, and kaffir jus. It is paired with Vasse Felix Shiraz 2020. Unlike the powerful, spicy Shiraz wines typically associated with Australia, Margaret River’s maritime influence creates a more earthy, meaty Shiraz with hints of saffron, cloves, dried chili, and licorice. The spiced cashew potato purée highlights the spices in both the wine and the dish, balancing beautifully with the wine’s elegant tannins.
The main course pairing with the exceptional creation of Dr. Tom Cullity from the blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot from specific historical plots. Made in 100 % whole bunch creating an incredibly full and complex perfume in the bouquet and fine tannins with a hint of raspberry and another touch of orange combine with savoury, crushed rock and a subtle cigar nuance, finishing the super fine palate of Vasse Felix Tom Cullity 2015 pairing with Charred Wagyu Striploin pommes paolo candied kale, cream of fermented garlic, Balinese long pepper jus showcase excellent pairing.
The evening concludes with a dessert Cacao & Spice, Origin Bali chocolate cremeux, clove tuile, candied salak sea salt sorbet pairing with Vasse Felix Felius Cabernet Merlot 2020 the wine has refined savory perfume with wild strawberry and raspberry pip on the palate it was ight to medium body on palate with a fresh core and delicate tannins with hints of raspberry liquorice, stone and wood remain excellent pairing with cacao and spice on the dessert with candied fruit that balance with the red fruit component in the wine, creating a harmonious finish.
This wine dinner is a truly paradisiacal experience, where exceptional wines, thoughtfully crafted cuisine, and the idyllic ambiance of Bali come together in a flowing symphony of flavor and elegance.