A Focus on Grenache – Thistledown’s Signature Style
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Thistledown Wines is a name that stands out for its bold approach to Grenache, its sustainability ethos, and its deep roots in South Australia. This is a winery that embraces both tradition and innovation, and it’s producing some of the most expressive, food-friendly wines in the country.
From the UK to the Barossa
Founded by two Masters of Wine from the UK, Giles Cooke and Fergal Tynan, Thistledown was born out of a fascination with Australia’s old-vine Grenache and a desire to make wines with real personality. They source fruit from across South Australia’s premium regions—Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and the Adelaide Hills—to craft wines of elegance, energy, and authenticity.
A Focus on Grenache
Thistledown is perhaps best known for elevating Grenache to new heights. Instead of the jammy, overly ripe expressions of the past, these are wines of finesse, balance, and detail. Think bright red fruits, spice, and a silky texture that pairs beautifully with everything from roast vegetables to lamb.
One of the things that makes their range so appealing is how they express Grenache across different styles—reds, whites, and rosé. Each wine reflects a sense of place and a hands-off winemaking philosophy that lets the fruit shine.
Why We Love Them
- Minimal intervention winemaking – letting the fruit speak for itself
- Sustainability-focused – including organic and biodynamic practices
- Seriously drinkable wines – approachable but never boring
Final Thoughts
Thistledown Wines is the kind of producer we get excited about—thoughtful, adventurous, and genuinely focused on quality. Whether you’re a Grenache lover or simply looking for something new, their wines offer plenty to explore.
Explore our current Thistledown Wines range and discover something unique.
