Winery Background and History
Howard Park Wines has a rich history in Western Australia’s Margaret River region. The winery’s story spans decades and showcases the Burch family’s commitment to producing top-quality wines.
Founding Story and Inspirations
Howard Park Wines began in 1986 when John Wade founded the winery. His goal was to create exceptional cool-climate wines. Wade chose Denmark, in the Great Southern region, as the initial site for Howard Park.
In 1988, Jeff and Amy Burch bought land in Margaret River to develop vineyards. This property later became the Leston vineyard, named after Jeff’s father.
The Burch family partnered with John Wade in 1993. They opened a winery and cellar door in Denmark in 1997. This move expanded Howard Park’s presence in Western Australia’s wine regions.
Key Milestones
1998 marked a significant year when the Burch family took full control of Howard Park. This change set the stage for future growth and innovation.
In 2006, Howard Park expanded its Margaret River winery. They added red fermenters, a new press, and more storage capacity. These upgrades improved wine production capabilities.
2007 saw Tony Davis become Chief Winemaker, bringing fresh expertise to the team. In 2009, Howard Park hosted the Tropfest film festival in Margaret River for the first time, blending wine with culture.
Family Legacy and Traditions
The Burch family’s involvement has been crucial to Howard Park’s success. Jeff and Amy Burch have instilled a passion for winemaking in their children.
Their son Richard joined the company in 2009. He focuses on sales and marketing. Daughter Natalie manages finance and operations. This family involvement ensures Howard Park’s traditions continue.
The winery’s commitment to quality remains strong. They blend traditional methods with modern techniques. Howard Park continues to produce award-winning wines, carrying on the family’s legacy in Margaret River.
Location and Setting
Howard Park Wines sits in a stunning spot in Western Australia’s Margaret River region. Its location shapes the wines and gives visitors plenty to see.
Geographical Influence
Howard Park Wines is in the Margaret River wine region, about 270 km south of Perth. The winery benefits from the area’s Mediterranean climate. Warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters create ideal growing conditions for grapes.
Ocean breezes from the Indian Ocean and Southern Ocean cool the vines. This helps grapes ripen slowly, building complex flavours. The region’s ancient soils add unique qualities to the wines.
Unique Terroir Characteristics
The Margaret River’s terroir gives Howard Park wines their distinct taste. Gravel and sandy loam soils drain well, making vines work harder for water and nutrients. This stress leads to more concentrated fruit flavours.
Maritime influences keep temperatures steady. Day-night temperature shifts help grapes keep their acidity while developing sugars. These conditions are especially good for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay grapes.
Howard Park also has vineyards in other Western Australia regions. This lets them blend grapes from different areas to make complex wines.
Scenic Attractions
The winery itself is a beautiful spot to visit. Modern buildings blend with the natural landscape. Large windows offer views of vineyards and native bushland.
Visitors can enjoy wine tastings while looking out over the vines. The cellar door has indoor and outdoor spaces for relaxing with a glass of wine.
Near the winery, guests can explore beaches, forests, and caves. The Margaret River coastline offers stunning ocean views and great surfing spots. Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park has hiking trails through tall karri forests.
Vineyards and Grape Varieties
Howard Park Wines takes pride in its diverse vineyards and grape varieties. The winery focuses on producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of Margaret River and Great Southern regions.
Grape Varieties
Howard Park grows a range of grape varieties suited to the local climate. The winery is known for its Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc white wines. These varieties thrive in the cool climate conditions of the region.
For red wines, Howard Park cultivates Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. These grapes produce full-bodied, complex wines that showcase the area’s terroir.
The winery also experiments with lesser-known varieties to create unique blends and single-varietal wines.
Sustainable Practices
Howard Park is committed to sustainable viticulture. The winery implements environmentally friendly practices across its vineyards.
These practices include water conservation techniques and natural pest management. Howard Park minimizes chemical use in the vineyards, opting for organic methods where possible.
The winery also focuses on soil health, using cover crops and composting to improve vineyard ecosystems.
Vineyard Management
Howard Park’s vineyard management techniques aim to produce high-quality grapes. The winery uses precise canopy management to ensure optimal sun exposure and air circulation.
Careful pruning and shoot thinning help control yield and concentrate flavours in the grapes. The Allingham vineyard showcases these techniques, particularly for Chardonnay production.
Howard Park also maintains a rootling nursery to propagate vine stock and experiment with new clones. This nursery produces up to 40,000 rootlings annually, allowing for ongoing vineyard improvement and diversification.
Wine Production Process
Howard Park follows meticulous steps to craft high-quality wines. The winery blends traditional methods with modern innovations to produce exceptional bottles.
Winemaking Philosophy
Howard Park’s winemaking philosophy centres on respect for the fruit and terroir. They aim to create wines that reflect the unique characteristics of Margaret River and Great Southern regions.
The winery focuses on minimal intervention to let the grapes shine. They believe in preserving the natural flavours and aromas of each variety.
Quality is paramount at every stage. From vineyard management to bottling, attention to detail ensures consistently excellent wines.
Techniques and Methods
Howard Park employs both traditional and modern winemaking techniques. Hand-picking of grapes is common for premium wines to maintain fruit integrity.
Gentle pressing and careful fermentation help extract optimal flavours. The winery uses a mix of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels for fermentation and aging.
Temperature control during fermentation allows for precise flavour development. Howard Park’s cellar is equipped with advanced cooling systems.
For red wines, extended maceration on skins can enhance colour and tannin structure. White wines often undergo cool fermentation to preserve delicate aromas.
Innovative Practices
Howard Park embraces innovation to enhance wine quality. They use advanced grape sorting technology to ensure only the best fruit enters production.
The winery has invested in gravity-flow systems to handle grapes and wine gently. This technique minimizes harsh mechanical actions that can affect wine quality.
Sustainable practices are a key focus. Howard Park uses solar power and water recycling systems to reduce environmental impact.
They experiment with wild yeast fermentations for some wines, adding complexity and unique regional character. Precision viticulture techniques help optimize grape quality in the vineyard.
Winemaker Profile
Howard Park’s winemaking team brings deep expertise and passion to crafting exceptional wines. Their philosophy and techniques produce award-winning bottles that showcase Margaret River’s terroir.
Background and Expertise
Mark Bailey leads Howard Park’s winemaking efforts. He gained experience in France before joining Houghton Wines in Swan Valley. Bailey studied winemaking at Charles Sturt University.
In 2006, he moved to Margaret River to focus on Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. He started at Howard Park as Senior Cellarhand and worked his way up.
Bailey’s background in hospitality informs his winemaking approach. He aims to create wines that pair well with food and enhance the dining experience.
Philosophy and Signature Styles
Howard Park’s winemaking philosophy centres on expressing the unique terroir of their vineyards. They focus on minimal intervention to let the grapes shine.
The team is known for their outstanding Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines highlight Margaret River’s ideal growing conditions.
They also produce acclaimed Riesling from the Great Southern region. Howard Park’s sparkling wines, like the Jeté Méthode Traditionelle, showcase their versatility.
Awards and Recognitions
Howard Park has earned many accolades for their wines. Their Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons regularly receive high scores from critics.
The winery has been recognized for innovation. They hosted Margaret River’s first Tropfest film festival and international Riesling tasting.
Howard Park’s commitment to quality has earned them a spot among Australia’s top wineries. Their wines are sought after both domestically and internationally.
Wine Offerings and Special Releases
Howard Park offers a diverse range of wines that showcase the best of Margaret River and Great Southern regions. Their portfolio includes both everyday and premium options, with some limited releases earning high praise from critics.
Overview of Wines
Howard Park produces wines from several varietals. Their Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are standouts, reflecting the Margaret River terroir. The winery also crafts Riesling, which has been part of their lineup since 1986.
Their Sauvignon Blanc joined the collection in 2003. These white wines make up Howard Park’s Heritage range, expressing the unique characteristics of their growing regions.
The winery’s MadFish label offers more casual, approachable wines inspired by Western Australia’s coastal lifestyle. This line has been popular since its introduction in 1992.
Limited-Edition Wines
Howard Park releases special wines that wine enthusiasts eagerly anticipate. Their museum wines are particularly noteworthy, offering a taste of well-aged vintages.
These rare offerings allow tasters to experience how Howard Park’s wines develop over time. The winery carefully selects these bottles from their cellar, ensuring they showcase the best of past vintages.
Limited releases often include single-vineyard wines or unique blends. These small-batch productions highlight specific terroirs or winemaking techniques, appealing to collectors and serious wine lovers.
Awards and Ratings
Howard Park has received recognition for the quality of its wines. The winery has earned a five-star rating, placing it among Australia’s top producers.
Critics and wine competitions have awarded high scores to various Howard Park wines. Their Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay often receive particular praise.
These accolades reflect the winery’s commitment to quality across their range. From everyday wines to premium offerings, Howard Park consistently delivers well-crafted bottles that represent their regions.
Wine Tasting Experience
Howard Park offers a range of wine tasting options in a stunning setting. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings, tours, and special events showcasing the winery’s award-winning wines.
Tasting Room Ambiance
The Howard Park tasting room provides a welcoming atmosphere for wine enthusiasts. Large windows offer views of the surrounding vineyards and landscape.
The modern, airy space features a long tasting bar and comfortable seating areas. Natural materials like wood and stone create a warm, inviting feel.
Friendly and knowledgeable staff guide guests through tastings. They share information about Howard Park’s winemaking techniques and philosophy.
Tasting Options and Tours
Howard Park provides several tasting experiences for visitors. The classic tasting includes samples of current release wines at the tasting bar.
For a more in-depth experience, guests can book a guided tasting of premium wines. This includes older vintages from the cellar.
Tours of the winery and vineyards are available by appointment. Visitors learn about the winemaking process from vine to bottle.
A popular option is the sparkling wine tasting. It features five different Howard Park sparkling wines.
Events and Experiences
Howard Park hosts special events throughout the year. These showcase their wines alongside local food and entertainment.
Museum wine tastings offer the chance to sample rare older vintages. Guests can taste how Howard Park wines develop over time.
The winery participates in regional events like the Margaret River Gourmet Escape food and wine festival.
Wine club members get access to exclusive events and experiences. These include winemaker dinners, barrel tastings, and new release parties.
Sustainability and Community Engagement
Howard Park Wines takes a proactive approach to environmental stewardship and local involvement. The winery focuses on sustainable practices, community partnerships, and industry certifications to support its long-term vision.
Sustainability Practices
Howard Park Wines operates across four regions in Western Australia: Perth, Margaret River, Pemberton, and the Great Southern. The winery recognizes the unique biodiversity of these areas and has adopted a comprehensive approach to environmental care.
Their sustainability efforts include water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. Howard Park uses solar power and implements recycling programs throughout its facilities.
The winery also practices sustainable viticulture, minimizing chemical inputs and promoting soil health. These methods help preserve the land for future generations while producing high-quality grapes.
Community Involvement
Howard Park Wines actively engages with local communities. The winery participates in revegetation projects, working to restore native plants in the Margaret River region.
They collaborate with organizations like Nature Conservation and the Shire of Augusta Margaret River on environmental initiatives. These partnerships help address issues such as coastal degradation and weed removal.
Howard Park also supports local events and charities. They host wine education sessions and contribute to regional tourism efforts, boosting the local economy.
Certifications
Howard Park Wines pursues industry certifications to validate its sustainability efforts. While specific certifications are not mentioned in the search results, many wineries in the region seek accreditations like Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.
These certifications often cover areas such as water management, biodiversity, and pest control. They provide third-party verification of a winery’s environmental practices.
Howard Park likely undergoes regular audits to maintain any certifications it holds. This commitment to external standards demonstrates the winery’s dedication to continuous improvement in sustainability.
Visiting Information
Howard Park Wines offers a memorable experience for wine enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and stunning views of the Margaret River region.
Location and Hours
Howard Park Wines is located in the Margaret River wine region of Western Australia. The cellar door is open daily from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. It’s closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and Good Friday.
The winery sits on Miamup Road, surrounded by vineyards and native bushland. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the town of Margaret River.
Visitors can easily reach the winery by car. There’s ample parking available on-site for both cars and buses.
Visitor Facilities
The cellar door at Howard Park offers a range of tasting experiences. Guests can sample wines from their various labels, including Howard Park, MadFish, and Marchand & Burch.
Wine tastings are available without bookings for small groups. Larger groups should book in advance.
The winery features a modern, architecturally designed building. It has indoor and outdoor seating areas with views of the vineyards.
A small selection of local produce and wine-related gifts is available for purchase.
Accommodations and Hotels
While Howard Park doesn’t offer on-site accommodation, there are many options nearby in Margaret River town and surrounding areas.
Visitors can choose from luxury resorts, boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, and self-contained apartments.
Popular choices include:
- Pullman Bunker Bay Resort
- Cape Lodge
- Margarets Beach Resort
- Gilgara Retreat
These accommodations are within a short drive of Howard Park Wines. They offer easy access to other wineries, beaches, and attractions in the region.
Interesting Facts and Anecdotes
Howard Park winery in Margaret River holds many surprises. From unique practices to notable visitors, this winery has a rich history and fascinating stories to tell.
Unique Winery Facts
Howard Park is known for its museum wine sampling. This special tasting area lets visitors try rare, aged wines. It’s a treat for true wine lovers.
The winery’s chief winemaker, Janice McDonald, won a big award. She was named Winemaker of the Year for 2018 by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine. This honor brought more attention to Howard Park.
Howard Park makes wines under three labels:
- Howard Park
- MadFish
- Marchand & Burch
This range shows the winery’s skill in crafting different styles of wine.
Unusual Events and Notable Guests
Howard Park hosts unique events that blend wine with local culture. These events often feature Margaret River’s natural beauty as a backdrop.
While specific guest information is not available, the winery’s reputation likely draws wine experts and celebrities. Its award-winning wines and beautiful setting make it a hot spot for wine tourism.
The winery may have hosted tasting events with Janice McDonald. As a celebrated winemaker, her presence would be a big draw for wine enthusiasts.
Myths and Legends
Many wineries have stories tied to their land or history. While no specific myths about Howard Park are mentioned in the search results, the Margaret River region has its own tales.
The area’s long winemaking history might include stories of early vintners and their struggles. These could be part of Howard Park’s tour experience.
Some visitors might feel the winery’s “sacred space” for tasting rare wines has a mystical quality. This could lead to legends about the powers of aged wines or the perfect vintage.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Howard Park wines pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. The winery offers expert suggestions to enhance your dining experience. Local chefs also share recipes that complement the wines perfectly.
Ideal Pairings
Howard Park’s Chardonnay goes well with seafood dishes. Try it with grilled prawns or creamy lobster pasta. The crisp acidity cuts through rich sauces.
For red wine lovers, the Cabernet Sauvignon pairs nicely with roasted lamb or beef. The tannins complement the meat’s richness. Vegetarians can enjoy it with mushroom risotto or aged cheddar.
The Riesling works well with spicy Asian cuisine. Its sweetness balances hot flavours in Thai or Indian food. It also pairs nicely with fresh fruit desserts.
Howard Park’s sparkling wines are versatile. They go well with oysters, soft cheeses, or light appetizers. These bubbles are perfect for celebrations or as an aperitif.
Recipes from Winemakers
Howard Park’s winemakers share their favourite recipes to pair with the wines. These dishes highlight local Margaret River ingredients.
A popular choice is marron with lemon butter sauce. This local crayfish pairs perfectly with the Chardonnay. The recipe is simple, letting the wine and seafood shine.
For red wine, try kangaroo fillet with native herbs. The gamey meat complements the Cabernet Sauvignon’s bold flavours. Wattleseed jus adds a unique Australian touch.
Vegetarian options include roasted pumpkin with goat cheese. This dish brings out the best in Howard Park’s Riesling. The sweetness of the pumpkin balances the wine’s acidity.
Contact Information and Social Media
Howard Park Wines offers multiple ways for customers to get in touch and stay connected. Visitors can reach out directly or follow the winery on social platforms for updates.
Direct Contact Details
Howard Park’s main winery is located in Margaret River, Western Australia. Guests can call the winery at (08) 9756 5200 to speak with staff. For written inquiries, email is likely available through the Howard Park website.
The winery welcomes visitors for tastings and tours. Its physical address can be found on the contact page. Opening hours may vary by season, so it’s best to check before visiting.
Social Media Links
Howard Park maintains an active presence on major social media platforms. Fans can follow the winery on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest news and events.
The winery likely shares photos of vineyards, winemaking processes, and new releases on these channels. Social media also provides a way for customers to interact with the brand and ask questions.
Exact social media handles aren’t provided in the search results. Interested followers should check the Howard Park website for up-to-date links to official accounts.
