In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, Giles Cooke MW, co-founder of Thistledown Wines, shares his journey in the wine industry and the philosophy behind his winemaking. He reflects on winning Wine of the Year, the history of the Smart Vineyard in McLaren Vale, and the techniques used to craft wines that are expressive of site. Host Anna Webster and Giles explore the challenges and rewards of the Master of Wine program, the potential of grenache in Australia, and Giles’ personal passion for food and wine pairing. The conversation also touches on the 2024 vintage, the balance of intuition and experience in winemaking, and future aspirations for Thistledown Wines.

Connect with us:

Thistledown Wines

Thistledown Wines on Instagram

Giles Cooke MW on Instagram

Halliday Wine Companion

Halliday Wine Companion on Instagram

Halliday Wine Club

Buy the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion

LANGTONS

LANGTONS on Instagram


Key Takeaways


The Smart Vineyard holds historic significance in McLaren Vale
Great winemaking is about translating the vineyard into the bottle
Grenache is often misunderstood because of its lighter style and colour
The 2024 vintage was generous compared to previous years
The Master of Wine program is rigorous and demands dedication
Winemaking combines experience, intuition and trial and error
Thistledown Wines focuses on medium-bodied, food-friendly wines



Episode Chapters

00:00 – Winning Wine of the Year: A Journey of Doubt and Pride
03:35 – The Smart Vineyard: History and Significance
06:30 – Crafting the Wine: Techniques and Philosophy
12:08 – Tasting the Wine: Aromatics and Flavour Profile
14:00 – The 2024 Vintage: Insights and Decisions
16:32 – Giles Cooke’s Wine Journey: From Passion to Profession
18:33 – Master of Wine: The Challenges and Experience
21:08 – Learning Winemaking: Experience and Intuition
24:08 – Establishing Thistledown: Vision and Challenges
27:35 – The Evolution of Grenache: Perception and Future
29:55 – Exploring Other Varieties: Grenache Blanc and More
31:59 – Quickfire Questions: 

 

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, leave a review, and share it with others who love Australian wine.

In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, Giles Cooke MW, co-founder of Thistledown Wines, shares his journey in the wine industry and the philosophy behind his winemaking. He reflects on winning Wine of the Year, the history of the Smart Vineyard in McLaren Vale, and the techniques used to craft wines that are expressive of site. Host Anna Webster and Giles explore the challenges and rewards of the Master of Wine program, the potential of grenache in Australia, and Giles&rsquo; personal passion for food and wine pairing. The conversation also touches on the 2024 vintage, the balance of intuition and experience in winemaking, and future aspirations for Thistledown Wines.
Connect with us:
<a href="https://www.thistledownwines.com/">Thistledown Wines</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thistledownwines/"></a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thistledownwines/">Thistledown Wines on Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/giles.cookemw/">Giles Cooke MW on Instagram</a>
<a href="https://winecompanion.com.au/">Halliday Wine Companion</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/winecompanion/">Halliday&nbsp;Wine Companion on Instagram</a>
<a href="https://winecompanion.com.au/wine-club">Halliday Wine Club</a>
<a href="https://shop.winecompanion.com.au/products/2026-halliday-wine-companion">Buy the&nbsp;2026 Halliday Wine Companion</a>
<a href="https://www.langtons.com.au/">LANGTONS</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/langtonsfinewine/">LANGTONS on Instagram</a> 
Key Takeaways 
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The Smart Vineyard holds historic significance in McLaren Vale</li>
<li aria-level="1">Great winemaking is about translating the vineyard into the bottle</li>
<li aria-level="1">Grenache is often misunderstood because of its lighter style and colour</li>
<li aria-level="1">The 2024 vintage was generous compared to previous years</li>
<li aria-level="1">The Master of Wine program is rigorous and demands dedication</li>
<li aria-level="1">Winemaking combines experience, intuition and trial and error</li>
<li aria-level="1">Thistledown Wines focuses on medium-bodied, food-friendly wines </li>
</ul>
Episode Chapters
00:00 &ndash; Winning Wine of the Year: A Journey of Doubt and Pride 03:35 &ndash; The Smart Vineyard: History and Significance 06:30 &ndash; Crafting the Wine: Techniques and Philosophy 12:08 &ndash; Tasting the Wine: Aromatics and Flavour Profile 14:00 &ndash; The 2024 Vintage: Insights and Decisions 16:32 &ndash; Giles Cooke&rsquo;s Wine Journey: From Passion to Profession 18:33 &ndash; Master of Wine: The Challenges and Experience 21:08 &ndash; Learning Winemaking: Experience and Intuition 24:08 &ndash; Establishing Thistledown: Vision and Challenges 27:35 &ndash; The Evolution of Grenache: Perception and Future 29:55 &ndash; Exploring Other Varieties: Grenache Blanc and More 31:59 &ndash; Quickfire Questions:&nbsp;
&nbsp;
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, leave a review, and share it with others who love Australian wine.

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.

 Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts – including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more – to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.

From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.

So, pour a glass and settle in.

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.
&nbsp;Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts &ndash; including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more &ndash; to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.
From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.
So, pour a glass and settle in.

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.

Halliday Wine Companion

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.

Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts – including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more – to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.

From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.

So, pour a glass and settle in.

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.
Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts &ndash; including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more &ndash; to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.
From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.
So, pour a glass and settle in.

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