Thistledown Celebrates Halliday Awards
Thistledown is on a roll, racking up prestigious accolades and reviews for their exceptional wines.
Top 100 Wineries Recognition
We're thrilled to share that Thistledown has been ranked 29th in the prestigious Halliday Wine Companion’s Top 100 Wineries of 2024, an elite ranking that honours the best of Australian wine. This recognition places them among Australia's finest producers and reflects their dedication to consistent quality across their entire range. The Wine Companion praised Thistledown's approach and the "engaging, fragrant, finely structured and compelling" nature of their Grenache cuvées, particularly highlighting their single-vineyard expressions.
Giles Cooke MW, co-founder of Thistledown, expressed his pride, saying, “To be listed among Australia’s top 100 wineries, alongside such iconic names, is remarkable. It’s a testament to our small, dedicated team and the incredible work of our growers and winery staff. We’re grateful to everyone who has supported us on this journey.”
Giles directing harvest, McLaren Vale
Best Grenache of the Year
Adding to this incredible accolade, Thistledown was also awarded the "Best Grenache of the Year" in the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion Awards for their standout Grenache, This Charming Man 2023. This achievement is especially poignant as it represents one of the last vintages from celebrated McLaren Vale grape grower Bernard Smart, whose legacy lives on in each bottle.
Bernard Smart, Clarendon, McLaren Vale (Harvest 2021)
The annual Halliday Wine Companion Awards celebrates the finest wines from Australian wineries, and the judging process is rigorous. Experienced wine experts evaluate wines against various criteria such as complexity, intensity, structure, elegance, and finesse. Impressively, Thistledown is the first winery to receive this award more than once, having previously earned it for Sands of Time.
The award winner is often considered the benchmark for Grenache wines in Australia, typically earning a high score in the 90s or even 100 points – This Charming Man 2023 came close, with an outstanding 98 points, also earning a special value star. Read more about the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion Awards here.
Congratulations to the winemaking team at Thistledown for their ongoing success!
Explore "Our Wines" to learn more about our extensive portfolio, or get in touch to enquire about placing an order with us.