Our History

Howard Park Wines was established in 1986 and was one of the original pioneers of the Great Southern region. The founding owner of Howard Park, John Wade ventured west to Western Australia’s South West with one belief: “I don’t know any other region where you can produce both Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon as premium wines”. This founding belief began the journey of Howard Park.

Now over 20 years on, Howard Park remains a family owned winery under the guidance of Jeff and Amy Burch. With a philosophy to produce wines of distinct regional character with an uncompromising commitment to quality Howard Park has forged an international reputation for their wines and an expanded range including single vineyard and multi regional wines from Margaret River and the Great Southern. 

Taking a look at the history that is Howard Park’s provides an insight into the pioneering spirit of a leading Western Australia family winery.

“We have worked towards establishing Howard Park as a premium family wine company. This success will be measured by the work we do now for future generations.”  Jeff Burch

1986 to 2008

• 1986 – 3 tonnes of Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon crushed and hand crafted to create Howard Park’s first vintage of these two wines set to become icon wines of Australia.
• 1988 – Amy and Jeff Burch purchase a pastoral property in Margaret River with the vision for a future vineyard and winery.
• 1993 – Amy and Jeff Burch join Howard Park Wines and winemaking moves from the Butter Factory to the Denmark Agricultural College. French Oak barrels, modern presses and tanks are purchased.
• 1993 – Howard Park Chardonnay is added to the family.
• 1995 – First Howard Park Best Barrel’s Merlot released.
• 1996 – The “Parkhead” property in purchased in Denmark, the first home for Howard Park.
• 1996 – the first vines are planted at Howard Park’s Margaret River property, named Leston after Jeff Burch’s father under the direction of David Burch, Vineyard Manager.
• 1997 – Howard Park opens the Denmark Winery and Cellar Door and a home for Howard Park.
• 1998 – John Wade leaves Howard Park and Michael Kerrigan becomes Senior Winemaker.
• 1999 – Howard Park Single Vineyard Series is launched with the Leston Shiraz from Margaret River and Scotsdale Cabernet Sauvignon from Mount Barker in the Great Southern.
• 2000 – Howard Park open’s the second home for Howard Park a winery and cellar door in Margaret River at the Leston Vineyard.
• 2000 – The Leston Cabernet Sauvignon and Scotsdale Shiraz are released to complete the Single Vineyard Story, a shiraz and cabernet sauvignon from the two premier regions of Western Australia’s South West.
• 2003 – Howard Park releases the first Sauvignon Blanc and the second Best Barrel’s Merlot is produced from the Leston Vineyard
• 2004 – Howard Park purchases a property in the Porongurups in the Great Southern with the vision to plant Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines.
• 2005 – Natalie Burch joins Howard Park wines in Margaret River.
• 2005 – Vineyard plantings begin at the Scotsdale vineyard in the Great Southern.
• 2006 – 2007 James Halliday includes Howard Park in his Australian Wine Companion, as a Five Star Winery “Outstanding winery capable of producing wines of the highest calibre”.
• 2007 – Tony Davis joins Howard Park as Senior Winemaker.
• 2007 - 2003 Howard Park Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot awarded Best Wine of Show at Concours de Mondial Bruxelles.
• 2008 - First vintage for Howard Park's Scotsdale Vineyard in the Great Southern.