003 Friends of Residence: Wine of the Month

The wine programme is an integral part of any restaurant as it has the capability to enhance food, foster conversation, and promote education. The Friends of Residence programme is designed not only to highlight, but also celebrate, great people doing great things. Whether that be well established pioneers of the industry or emerging winemakers – Residence acts as a platform to shine a light on excellence with our first cab off the rank being George McCullough, founder and winemaker of GUM - a boutique wine label rooted in Victoria’s diverse wine regions.

Transitioning from a distinguished career as a sommelier in Melbourne’s top restaurants - including Grossi Florentino, Coda, Tonka, and King & Godfree - McCullough developed a deep appreciation for the interplay between wine, food, and place.

In 2019, while fly fishing near the Cathedral Range, McCullough discovered a 40-year-old vineyard. Initially seeking to purchase fruit, he learned the owners planned to remove the vines. Recognising the site’s potential, McCullough took over stewardship of the vineyard, preserving its legacy and integrating it into his winemaking vision.

Launched in 2022, GUM Wine emphasises fresh, savoury wines that complement food. McCullough sources grapes from organically inclined vineyards in Heathcote, the Macedon Ranges, and Central Victoria, alongside fruit from the Cathedral Range Estate.

George McCullough’s journey from sommelier to winemaker underscores his dedication to expressing terroir and crafting wines that resonate with both place and palate.