We are thrilled to share that Jeff and Amy Burch, the visionary duo behind Howard Park, have been awarded the Jack Mann Memorial Medal, a prize considered the most prestigious honour in the state’s wine industry. The ceremony was held on Friday, 12th September, as part of the 2025 Perth Wine Show. A sell-out crowd of 400 celebrated the news at Optus Stadium’s River Room.
The medal, established by the Wine Press Club of Western Australia in 1989 (the year Jack Mann passed away) recognises individuals who have made an outstanding, long-term contribution to the Western Australian wine community.
For nearly four decades, the Burches have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of WA wine. As early champions of multi-regional blending, they built Howard Park on the belief that the distinct climates of the Great Southern and Margaret River could produce wines of exceptional quality and complexity. This pioneering vision, combined with Jeff’s “no compromise” approach to winemaking, along with Amy’s strategic marketing and design acumen and strict attention to detail, has established Howard Park as a global benchmark for Australian wine.
As the winery approaches its 40th anniversary next year, Jeff and Amy continue to be a driving force of the family business, which they now run alongside their son and daughter, Richard and Natalie Burch.
“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,” comments 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,” said Richard Burch of their contribution.
Emanuel Loucas, President of the WA Wine Press Club comments, “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.
“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.”
This is a huge honour for the pair, and is a win that means a lot to the family who will be celebrating with a glass of Howard Park Jeté sparkling in hand.