As Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover draws near, we’re celebrating the people who pour their passion into every glass. 

First up is Howard Park Wines' Chief Winemaker, Nic Bowen, a South West local whose love for wine runs deep. From growing up among vineyards to crafting award-winning sparkling wines, Nic shares what makes the Margaret River Region so special, the joy of unexpected pairings, and what guests can look forward to at this year’s Pair’d.

AS A LOCAL, WHAT MAKES THE MARGARET RIVER REGION SUCH A SPECIAL PLACE TO CALL HOME?

The South West has been my home for many a year. I grew up about 30 mins from the Margaret River Region.  

After school I spent time away from the region but returned with my family in 2021.  

Now we are lucky enough to live in place that people visit as a holiday – we don’t take that for granted. 

I really relish the coastal lifestyle – its untouched natural beauty, the coastlines, the emerging food & wine scene. 

WHAT FUELS YOUR LOVE FOR WINE & FOOD?

Growing up in a winemaking family means a love for food and wine is almost a fait accompli – we were literally surrounded by it.  

My mother was born in Hong Kong, and her mother, my grandmother, was an accomplished cook. They both cooked extensively, not only to provide sustenance but to keep Chinese cooking traditions alive. It was an expected ritual to enjoy a home-cooked meal, and more often than not, this was accompanied by wine.   

I also got to experience a lot of Bordeaux wines while working alongside my father.   

THIS NOVEMBER, HOWARD PARK WINES TAKES CENTRE STAGE WITH TWO EXCEPTIONAL PAIR’D EXPERIENCES — THE HOWARD PARK GLOBAL SPARKLING TASTING AND THE GRAND TASTING PRESENTED BY SINGAPORE AIRLINES. WHAT MOMENTS, FLAVOURS, OR DISCOVERIES DO YOU HOPE GUESTS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THESE EVENTS?

This year, we continue our exploration into the world of sparkling wine. We’ll journey through a variety of regions, some familiar and others new. Our exploration is guided by the belief that a great viticultural site, paired with attentive management and meticulous winemaking, should produce exceptional wines.  

We’ve carefully curated selections from around the world for you to enjoy firsthand. 

 At Howard Park, we aim to enhance the sparkling wine landscape by creating wines of pleasure, complexity and style from our exceptional Western Australian vineyards. We aspire for Western Australia’s sparkling wines to be recognised for their distinct regional character and quality over time. 

WHAT’S THE MOST SURPRISING OR UNEXPECTED PAIRING YOU’VE EVER TASTED?

Sparkling Rosé & roasted ham for Xmas – it was a happy accident to stumble across this pairing one Christmas, and now it’s become a fixture at every Christmas gathering. The umami of sparkling wine matches perfectly with the smokiness of the ham. 

DO YOU HAVE A GO-TO, FOOLPROOF PAIRING THAT NEVER FAILS?

When entertaining, we tend to think about the wine first and then the food that would go with it.  

WHAT’S ON YOUR KITCHEN PLAYLIST?

Major laser – ‘Lean on’ and Hermitude – ‘hyper paradise’  

My kids have these both on repeat.  

IF YOU COULD TAG ONE CHEF FOR THE 2026 LINE-UP, WHO WOULD IT BE?

I would love to go to Asador Etxebarri in Spain (south of Bilbao). Chef Victor Arguinzoniz. It’s been a place on my list for many years now, and I haven’t quite had the time to visit.  

My father has visited his restaurant numerous times & has some fond memories to share that I would like to experience myself. 

IS THERE ANY EXCITING NEWS FROM HOWARD PARK WINES THAT GUESTS OR WINE LOVERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

Our Howard Park Jeté Rosé NV recently won Best Sparkling Rosé at the prestigious Australian Sparkling Wine Show. It also received Best Sparkling in Western Australia at the Wine Show of WA last year, as well as a Gold medal at the 2025 National Wine Show in Canberra. There is an increasing buzz around sparkling rosé, and deservedly so. These wines that offer not just complexity, but a playful, whimsical character that is incredibly exciting to make and to drink.

 
We’re delighted to have Howard Park Wines on the line-up, showcasing the elegance, depth, and distinct character of Margaret River’s finest sparkling wines. Both events are sold out, but you can join the waitlist and subscribe to our email list for early access to 2026 tickets.