Jeff and Amy Burch, founders of Howard Park Wines, have been awarded the Jack Mann Memorial Medal, the most prestigious honour in Western Australia’s wine industry. The medal was presented on Friday, 12 September at the Perth Wine Show.
Established by the WA Wine Press Club in 1989, the award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding, long-term contribution to the Western Australian wine community.
For almost 40 years, the Burches have played a central role in shaping the state’s wine landscape. Early advocates of multi-regional blending, they built Howard Park on the belief that combining the Great Southern and Margaret River could deliver wines of both quality and complexity.
Jeff’s approach to winemaking, paired with Amy’s marketing expertise and attention to detail, has helped establish Howard Park as a benchmark producer with a global reputation.
The family winery now operates with their son and daughter, Richard and Natalie Burch, as it approaches its 40th anniversary next year.
“I’m so proud to see Jeff and Amy’s commitment formally recognised, having watched them pour their time, energy, and passion into this industry over many decades, making countless sacrifices along the way,” said Richard Burch, Sales & Marketing Director at Howard Park Wines.
“For me, it’s all their generosity of time that speaks volumes. The years spent on industry committees, Jeff’s leadership of the Agricultural Produce Commission, their support of viticultural research, and the private tastings for Len Evans scholars are just some of the ways that they contribute.
“Above all, I’m proud of the way they’ve introduced so many people from all walks of life to the world of wine.”
WA Wine Press Club President Emanuel Loucas said the Burches join an illustrious list of previous winners.
“The list of previous recipients reads like a who’s who of the industry, with winners including Tom Cullity, who planted the first vines at Vasse Felix, Denis and Tricia Horgan with Leeuwin Estate, David Hohnen, whose dual Jimmy Watson wins turned the spotlight on Margaret River in the early 80s, Di Cullen, Bill Pannell, and Dorham Mann OAM (Son of Jack), to more recent current stars of the industry Virginia Willcock and Vanya Cullen OAM,” he said.
“This year’s recipients, Howard Park’s Jeff and Amy Burch have equally contributed to the growth and standing of the industry, directly through their own wines, but also through encouragement and involvement in many other aspects of the industry. They are indeed worthy recipients of this prestigious award.”
The Jack Mann Memorial Medal has been awarded annually since 1989, with the first recipient being Dr John Gladstones AO, whose research underpinned the establishment of Margaret River as a wine region. It recognises contributions across winemaking, viticulture, marketing, journalism, education and retailing, with judging overseen by a panel of media representatives.