Thistledown’s New Chapter
Giles Cooke MW is embarking on an exciting journey by officially separating Thistledown from the Alliance Wine Group, signaling a fresh chapter for this Australian winemaking venture.
Now known simply as Thistledown Wine, the brand has gained recognition, particularly for its stellar Grenache offerings—a category Cooke has passionately championed during his time at Alliance.
Under his guidance, Thistledown has expanded its presence to around 25 countries globally.
Cooke has invested three decades in various roles at Alliance, spanning sales, purchasing, and marketing.
Most recently, he focused on enhancing the production and distribution of Thistledown’s wines.
Following his departure, Alliance will continue to manage the distribution of these wines, ensuring a smooth transition.
Reflections and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on his time at Alliance, Cooke expressed gratitude for the multitude of opportunities he experienced, admitting that the journey was filled with diverse emotions and invaluable lessons.
The significant life events he encountered over the last decade pushed him to reevaluate his priorities, leading to his decision to pursue new aspirations.
Accompanying Cooke in this new chapter is Paddy Gilhooly, the sales director based in Adelaide, who has been his collaborator at Thistledown for the past ten years.
Alongside his responsibilities at Thistledown, which boasts two Halliday Grenache trophies, Cooke is also deeply involved in the Our Fathers initiative.
This non-profit endeavor focuses on crafting artisanal wines from old vines in Barossa and McLaren Vale, with a mission to give back to the community.
Commitment to Community
Cooke underscored the role of wine in enriching lives, emphasizing that the Our Fathers project embodies this belief.
He expressed a commitment to producing exceptional wines while directing profits toward mental health charities, with the hope of expanding their influence on a global scale.
Christian Bouteiller, the founder of Alliance Wine Group, shared insights on the negotiation process that facilitated this separation.
He highlighted that both parties stand to benefit from this newfound independence.
With ongoing challenges in the industry, the board has been exploring strategies to refine operations, and simplifying certain aspects of the business while empowering Thistledown under Cooke’s guidance was deemed a wise choice.
Source: Harpers
