Australian Vintage has announced a strategic partnership with Burch Family Wines, marking a significant step in expanding its premium wine portfolio in global markets. Under the agreement, Australian Vintage will acquire the international rights to the iconic Western Australian brand MadFish and become the exclusive distributor of Howard Park Wines in the UK, Ireland, Europe, and Canada. Burch Family Wines will retain domestic ownership and distribution of both brands within Australia.
MadFish, celebrated for its vibrant and approachable style, is one of the fastest-growing Australian wine brands in the UK, offering wine enthusiasts a fresh, lighter taste that perfectly complements Australian Vintage’s current offerings. The deal strengthens the company’s position in the region, bringing greater access to premium Western Australian wines for consumers across these key markets. The partnership also includes a long-term sourcing and processing agreement with Burch Family Wines, aimed at maintaining quality and enabling scalable growth.
“This acquisition enhances our premium range in key export markets without adding operational overhead,” said Australian Vintage CEO Tom Dusseldorp. “It’s a capital-light strategy that aligns with our focus on shareholder value and brand-led growth.”
Jeff Burch, CEO of Burch Family Wines, described the partnership as a natural evolution for MadFish. “This brand began as a tribute to my coastal home and has become a beloved name among wine lovers. With Australian Vintage’s global capabilities, we’re confident MadFish and Howard Park can captivate international audiences while staying true to their Western Australian roots.”
This partnership exemplifies how collaboration between established producers can accelerate global growth while preserving regional identity. By combining scale with craftsmanship, Australian Vintage and Burch Family Wines are well positioned to raise the international profile of Western Australian wines.
