In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, recorded the morning after the 2026 Halliday Awards, Anna Webster sits down with Vasse Felix’s chief winemaker Virginia Willcock over a strong coffee to discuss her latest accolade, Winemaker of the Year. Virginia reflects on her remarkable career in the wine industry, shares the stories behind iconic wines such as Tom Cullity and Heytesbury Chardonnay, and details the evolution of her winemaking practices and the role of terroir in shaping exceptional wines. Virginia also highlights her passion for sustainability, the importance of community, and her aspirations for the future of Margaret River winemaking.

Connect with us:

Vasse Felix

Vasse Felix on Instagram

Halliday Wine Companion

Halliday Wine Companion on Instagram

Halliday Wine Club

Buy the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion

LANGTONS

LANGTONS on Instagram

Key Takeaways
Virginia Willcock reflects on a week filled with awards and recognition
Wine is rooted in community, culture, and connection
Margaret River’s terroir is central to producing outstanding wines
Vasse Felix has undergone major evolution since Virginia joined in 2006
Natural winemaking practices bring out authenticity and quality
The story of Tom Cullity is intertwined with Vasse Felix’s history
Heytesbury Chardonnay showcases Margaret River’s finest expression
Sustainability is a core focus for the future of the winery
Virginia’s passion for wine is evident in every stage of her journey
Sharing the story of Margaret River globally remains a key mission



Episode Chapters00:00 – Winning Winemaker of the Year
02:09 – Virginia Willcock: A Winemaker's Journey
05:45 – The Unique Terroir of Margaret River
08:58 – Evolution of Vasse Felix
11:59 – Natural Winemaking Practices
14:57 – The Story Behind Tom Cullity
17:49 – The Heytesbury Chardonnay
20:53 – Future Aspirations and Sustainability
24:06 – Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights

In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, recorded the morning after the 2026 Halliday Awards, Anna Webster sits down with Vasse Felix&rsquo;s chief winemaker Virginia Willcock over a strong coffee to discuss her latest accolade, Winemaker of the Year. Virginia reflects on her remarkable career in the wine industry, shares the stories behind iconic wines such as Tom Cullity and Heytesbury Chardonnay, and details the evolution of her winemaking practices and the role of terroir in shaping exceptional wines. Virginia also highlights her passion for sustainability, the importance of community, and her aspirations for the future of Margaret River winemaking.
Connect with us:
<a href="https://www.vassefelix.com.au/">Vasse Felix</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/vassefelixwines">Vasse Felix on Instagram</a> <a href="https://winecompanion.com.au/">Halliday Wine Companion</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/winecompanion/">Halliday&nbsp;Wine Companion on Instagram</a>
<a href="https://winecompanion.com.au/wine-club">Halliday Wine Club</a>
<a href="https://shop.winecompanion.com.au/products/2026-halliday-wine-companion">Buy the&nbsp;2026 Halliday Wine Companion</a>
<a href="https://www.langtons.com.au/">LANGTONS</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/langtonsfinewine/">LANGTONS on Instagram</a>
Key Takeaways
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Virginia Willcock reflects on a week filled with awards and recognition</li>
<li aria-level="1">Wine is rooted in community, culture, and connection</li>
<li aria-level="1">Margaret River&rsquo;s terroir is central to producing outstanding wines</li>
<li aria-level="1">Vasse Felix has undergone major evolution since Virginia joined in 2006</li>
<li aria-level="1">Natural winemaking practices bring out authenticity and quality</li>
<li aria-level="1">The story of Tom Cullity is intertwined with Vasse Felix&rsquo;s history</li>
<li aria-level="1">Heytesbury Chardonnay showcases Margaret River&rsquo;s finest expression</li>
<li aria-level="1">Sustainability is a core focus for the future of the winery</li>
<li aria-level="1">Virginia&rsquo;s passion for wine is evident in every stage of her journey</li>
<li aria-level="1">Sharing the story of Margaret River globally remains a key mission </li>
</ul>
Episode Chapters00:00 &ndash; Winning Winemaker of the Year 02:09 &ndash; Virginia Willcock: A Winemaker's Journey 05:45 &ndash; The Unique Terroir of Margaret River 08:58 &ndash; Evolution of Vasse Felix 11:59 &ndash; Natural Winemaking Practices 14:57 &ndash; The Story Behind Tom Cullity 17:49 &ndash; The Heytesbury Chardonnay 20:53 &ndash; Future Aspirations and Sustainability 24:06 &ndash; Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.

 Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts – including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more – to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.

From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.

So, pour a glass and settle in.

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.
&nbsp;Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts &ndash; including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more &ndash; to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.
From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.
So, pour a glass and settle in.

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.

Halliday Wine Companion

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.

Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts – including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more – to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.

From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.

So, pour a glass and settle in.

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.
Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts &ndash; including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more &ndash; to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.
From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.
So, pour a glass and settle in.

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