© National Portrait Gallery 2025
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Phone +61 2 6102 7000
ABN: 54 74 277 1196
digital image
Courtesy of Vasse Felix
In 1967, Vasse Felix was the first commercial vineyard and winery to be established in the Margaret River region of Western Australia . The vineyard took its paradoxical name from an early event in the district. Vasse was a French seaman who drowned last century when his longboat overturned near the site of Busselton while exploring the coastline on the French ship “Geographe”. Felix is the Latin word for fortunate or luck. Established by Dr Tom Cullity, the winery’s name, therefore, refers to a favoured place in Australia discovered by the French. In 1987, Vasse Felix was purchased by the Holmes à Court family and today grows under the leadership of Mrs Janet Holmes à Court. Apart from producing award-winning wines, the facilities include a first-class restaurant, café and a permanent art gallery housing the Holmes à Court art collection as well as performances, concerts and functions.
Masters of fare: chefs, winemakers, providores celebrates men and women who have championed the unique culinary characteristics and produce of Australia, enriching our lives with new ideas and new flavours over the past forty years.
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