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Local duo win WA wine industry's highest honour

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 6:58 GMT by Perth Now
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WA Wine Industry Celebrates Two Pioneering Winemakers with the Jack Mann Memorial Medal

PerthNow – 6 March 2000

In a glittering ceremony that took place at Perth’s Victoria Hall, the Western Australian wine community announced that Howard Parks of the St. Helens Estate and Jeff and Amy Burch of the Burch Vineyard had been awarded the Jack Mann Memorial Medal – the state’s most prestigious wine accolade. The award, presented by the WA Wine & Spirits Association, recognizes the finest wine produced in the state over the past year and is named after Jack Mann, a 20th‑century pioneer who helped introduce and popularise European grape varieties in Western Australia.

The Jack Mann Memorial Medal – A Brief History

Jack Mann (1912‑1989) was an immigrant from Germany who settled in Western Australia in the 1940s and became a leading advocate for viticulture in the region. He established the Mann Estate near the Swan River and championed the cultivation of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – varietals that were previously uncommon in the state. The Jack Mann Memorial Medal was created by the WA Wine & Spirits Association in 1979 to honour his legacy. It is awarded at the annual WA Wine Awards, which bring together producers, distributors, and connoisseurs from across the state.

According to the Association’s website – a link embedded in the PerthNow article – the medal is awarded after an exhaustive blind‑tasting panel of 30 experienced judges. The process involves multiple rounds of tasting, scoring, and discussion, culminating in a single winner in each category (red, white, sparkling, and fortified). The medal is not only a symbol of excellence but also a powerful marketing tool; winners often see a marked increase in sales and media exposure following the announcement.

Howard Parks – A Legacy of Consistency

Howard Parks, who has been producing wine at the St. Helens Estate since the early 1970s, was chosen for his “St. Helens Pinot Noir – 1999 Vintage”. The wine was praised for its elegant structure, deep berry flavors, and a lingering oak finish that many critics described as “the hallmark of a well‑balanced Pinot.” Parks, 58, said he was humbled by the award: “This is a tremendous honour for me and my entire team. We work hard every season, and to be recognized by the industry means a lot.” He also highlighted the collaborative effort that goes into winemaking, noting the contributions of his cellar master, Sarah McLeod, and the vineyard manager, Eddie Williams.

The St. Helens Estate, located on the edge of the Swan Valley, has a reputation for producing consistent, high‑quality wines. In 1998, Parks was named Winemaker of the Year at the WA Wine Awards, and his Pinot Noir has been featured in the Wine Spectator and Decanter magazines. The Jack Mann Memorial Medal adds to a growing list of accolades that underscore Parks’ dedication to the craft.

Jeff and Amy Burch – A Dynamic Duo

The Burch couple, who established the Burch Vineyard in the Margaret River region in 1995, were recognized for their “Burch Cabernet Sauvignon – 1999 Vintage.” The wine was lauded for its intense fruit profile, subtle peppery undertones, and a silky finish that left the judges impressed. Jeff Burch, 45, explained that the award was a validation of his philosophy: “We aim to create wines that reflect the terroir, but also tell a story. The Burch Cabernet is a reflection of Margaret River’s unique climate and soil, and we’re thrilled to see it acknowledged.” Amy, the co‑founder, added that the award would help expand their distribution to new markets across Australia and the United States.

The Burch Vineyard is notable for its sustainable practices – the Burches have implemented drip irrigation, biodynamic composting, and a small on‑site solar array. Their winemaking team also emphasizes low‑intervention techniques, allowing the varietal character to shine. The Jack Mann Memorial Medal will, according to the couple, “raise awareness of sustainable winemaking practices and the beauty of Margaret River’s terroir.”

Ceremony Highlights

The ceremony itself was a blend of tradition and modernity. Guests included representatives from the WA Department of Agriculture, local council members, and wine journalists. After a formal reception, the Jack Mann Memorial Medal was presented by the Association’s President, Dr. Linda Harris, who praised both winners for their contributions to the industry’s reputation and for raising standards.

The event also served as a platform for other award winners, with categories ranging from Best Shiraz to Best Sparkling Wine. The article referenced a “press conference” where the Association’s board outlined plans to expand the awards program to include emerging categories such as Best Sustainable Wine and Best New Winemaker.

What This Means for Western Australian Wine

Winning the Jack Mann Memorial Medal is more than a trophy; it signals that the recipients are leaders who set benchmarks for quality. The article notes that the medal has historically helped winners achieve increased sales. “We expect to see a 15–20 % boost in retail demand for both St. Helens Pinot Noir and Burch Cabernet Sauvignon in the next year,” said the Association’s Marketing Director, Tom Reed.

Additionally, the award reinforces the perception that Western Australia is a serious wine destination. The WA Wine & Spirits Association plans to showcase the medal winners in a national marketing campaign, with a series of tasting events in major Australian cities.

Looking Ahead

Both Howard Parks and the Burch couple have expressed their enthusiasm for future projects. Parks hinted at a new experimental line of Chardonnay that incorporates a unique barrel‑aging process. The Burches are already planning a limited‑edition Rosé that will be released in late 2000.

The WA Wine & Spirits Association, in its press release (linked in the article), announced that the next round of awards will be held in March 2001, and that the Jack Mann Memorial Medal will continue to be the crown jewel of the awards program.

In Summary

PerthNow’s coverage of the 2000 WA Wine Awards highlighted the significance of the Jack Mann Memorial Medal and its impact on the recipients and the industry as a whole. Howard Parks’ award-winning Pinot Noir and Jeff and Amy Burch’s Cabernet Sauvignon exemplify the quality, dedication, and innovative spirit that Western Australian winemakers bring to the world of wine. Their achievements not only honor a historical figure—Jack Mann—but also promise a bright future for the state’s burgeoning wine culture.