Producer Awards
Producer of the Year
Howard Park Wines
By Ray Jordan
There is a sense of family about Howard Park, the WA Wine Review 2025 Producer of the Year.
From the first tentative steps when Jeff and Amy Burch pursued their passion for wine becoming involved with Howard Park which had been established in the Great Southern in1986, they have seen it grow into an iconic WA wine business with a national and global reputation for its wines.
And always with the sense of family.
Success has been built on the Burch’s unbridled commitment and drive, working tirelessly in their pursuit of making quality wine. A succession of very good winemakers, clever choices of vineyard locations and subsequent acquisitions, and a clear focus on maximising regional, varietal and stylistic strengths, have all contributed to bringing Howard Park to its current pre-eminent standing among WA wine producers.
The vineyards now span several regions, but it remains firmly in family hands with the second generation of the family, daughter Nat and son Richard taking greater control, albeit I suspect under the watchful gaze of Jeff and Amy.
In addition, the sense of family was deepened when Nic Bowen, son of Rob Bowen, one of the State’s finest winemakers, joined as chief winemaker.
Bowen brings the next iteration of winemaking influence. Building on the excellent fruit-sourcing options, Bowen has a clear focus on creating a style that is subtle, expressive and true to varietal and regional integrity.
I had a preview of many of the early wines under Bowen’s direction during a wander around the barrel hall at Howard Park’s Margaret River winery. I’m sure Bowen would be the first to admit that he was blessed from the start in landing on the ’23 vintage to get things rolling, but I have no doubt he is the right man for the job in taking Howard Park forward.
These days Howard Park has five vineyards—Leston and Allingham in Margaret River, Forest View in Pemberton, and Mount Barrow and Abercrombie in the Great Southern. Each site has a differing focus and personality, producing varieties that capture the best of the regions.
At the pinnacle of the portfolio are the Abercrombie cabernet sauvignon, a wine that continues to push into rarefied air with the latest the best yet, and the Allingham chardonnay, which is moving onto another zone with some of the subtle winery tweaks Bowen brings.
During the last few years, Howard Park’s investment in its Leston vineyard is also paying off, especially with cabernets.
From the outset, riesling from the Mount Barker and Porongurup regions has been outstanding, consistently delivering exceptional quality. At a tasting during the year of selected vintages going back over 15 years, the remarkable ageing potential of these wines was evident.
Throughout the rest of the range, superb wines are offering both value and quality following largely the popular West Australian varieties.
The Burch’s lifelong passion for sparkling wine resulted in building a sparkling wine facility at Howard Park in Margaret River. The equipment for making sparkling wine isn’t cheap but is a further example of the reality follows passion approach to producing wines.
These days the second-generation team at Howard Park is continuing the mantra established by Jeff and Amy. General Manager and Director Natalie and Sales and Marketing Director Richard are leading the team.
The challenges they face in the new world of climate change, declining global consumption, and rising costs, are different from those faced by their parents. But as Howard Park approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026, the family remains committed to the principles that have underpinned the winery for nearly four decades.
Howard Park is a worthy and long overdue recipient of Producer of the Year. And if you are travelling to Margaret River it has one of the best cellar doors in the region to taste some of these wines.
Small Producer of the Year
3 Drops
3 Drops is now a well-established producer in the heart of the Great Southern and continues to make a name for itself with its outstanding rieslings, expressive pinots and emerging chardonnays. Impeccable winemaking contributes to consistent wines that offer both value and quality – a compelling combination.
Best Value Producer of the Year
Hay Shed Hill Wines
This name has been around for a while - established in the 70s, it’s the sister winery for West Cape Howe. Hay Shed Hill consistently produces excellent wines, from its value for money ranges through to its Bin Range which raises the bar into another zone. Super value and if you’re visiting, which you should, Rustico is a terrific restaurant for casual dining.
Into rarefied air
Forest Hill
This is where the modern era of WA winemaking started – a trial vineyard was planted in collaboration between the State Government and the Pearses who owned the property. It’s now owned by prominent Perth stockbroker Tim Lyons, whose son Guy has taken the winery into rarefied air with a sharp focus on improvements at all levels, from the vineyard through to the winery. Recent wines have been outstanding.
A new name on the scene
Thomas William Wines
Thomas William Wines was established in 2022 by Thomas and Courtney Bradshaw. They are a small family-run team, with two young children and their dog Clooney. The ethos of Thomas William Wines is simple, to make the best wines they can. They source high-quality fruit that showcases the best of the Margaret River region while using traditional techniques. They craft small-batch high-calibre wines from their micro-winery in Cowaramup. The early wines are looking very good and bode well for a successful future. Certainly, a small producer to keep your eyes on.
On the Rise
Driftwood Estate
In the last few years, winemaker Kane Groves has taken the wines from Driftwood forward. The latest collection shows that this winery, which has been around for many years is now establishing itself as a significant player in Margaret River. Recent success at the Perth Royal Wine Show with the 2023 Single Site chardonnay (97 points in the WA Wine Review 2025) highlights the quality.
