2026 Halliday Wine of the Year | Giles Cooke of Thistledown Wines
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 Pride03:35 – The Smart Vineyard: History and Significance06:30 – Crafting the Wine: Techniques and Philosophy12:08 – Tasting the Wine: Aromatics and Flavour Profile14:00 – The 2024 Vintage: Insights and Decisions16:32 – Giles Cooke’s Wine Journey: From Passion to Profession18:33 – Master of Wine: The Challenges and Experience21:08 – Learning Winemaking: Experience and Intuition24:08 – Establishing Thistledown: Vision and Challenges27:35 – The Evolution of Grenache: Perception and Future29:55 – Exploring Other Varieties: Grenache Blanc and More31:59 – 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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2026 Halliday Winemaker of the Year: Virginia Willcock, Vasse Felix
In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, recorded the morning after the 2026 Halliday Awards, Anna Webster sits down with Vasse Felix’s chief winemaker Virginia Willcock over a strong coffee to discuss her latest accolade, Winemaker of the Year. Virginia reflects on her remarkable career in the wine industry, shares the stories behind iconic wines such as Tom Cullity and Heytesbury Chardonnay, and details the evolution of her winemaking practices and the role of terroir in shaping exceptional wines. Virginia also highlights her passion for sustainability, the importance of community, and her aspirations for the future of Margaret River winemaking. Connect with us: Vasse Felix Vasse Felix on InstagramHalliday Wine Companion Halliday Wine Companion on Instagram Halliday Wine Club Buy the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion LANGTONS LANGTONS on Instagram Key Takeaways Virginia Willcock reflects on a week filled with awards and recognition Wine is rooted in community, culture, and connection Margaret River’s terroir is central to producing outstanding wines Vasse Felix has undergone major evolution since Virginia joined in 2006 Natural winemaking practices bring out authenticity and quality The story of Tom Cullity is intertwined with Vasse Felix’s history Heytesbury Chardonnay showcases Margaret River’s finest expression Sustainability is a core focus for the future of the winery Virginia’s passion for wine is evident in every stage of her journey Sharing the story of Margaret River globally remains a key mission Episode Chapters00:00 – Winning Winemaker of the Year02:09 – Virginia Willcock: A Winemaker's Journey05:45 – The Unique Terroir of Margaret River08:58 – Evolution of Vasse Felix11:59 – Natural Winemaking Practices14:57 – The Story Behind Tom Cullity17:49 – The Heytesbury Chardonnay20:53 – Future Aspirations and Sustainability24:06 – Quickfire Questions and Personal InsightsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Going, going, Grange: Cracking the code of fine-wine auctions with LANGTONS’ Michael Anderson
Step onto the auction floor with Michael Anderson, Head of Auctions at LANGTONS, and discover how rare bottles move from cellar to gavel. We unpack the do’s and don’ts of bidding, reveal the labels that keep climbing in value, and hear Michael’s personal journey from hospitality to helming Australia’s biggest fine-wine marketplace. Whether you buy to drink, invest, or simply daydream, this chat demystifies the world of wine auctions so you can bid (or sell) with confidence. Connect with us: LANGTONS LANGTONS on Instagram Halliday Wine Companion Wine Companion on Instagram Halliday Wine Club Key Takeaways The founding of LANGTONS and how Australia’s auction scene has matured Red flags that signal a corked, heat-affected or otherwise damaged bottle Proven investment staples: Penfolds Grange, Wendouree, Burgundy grands crus and more Market shifts after COVID-era cellaring booms Michael’s tips for first-time bidders: set your ceiling, read condition reports, phone a specialist Career lessons from pouring glasses to commanding the hammer Chapters 00:00 Introduction to LANGTONS’ Auctions 02:04 Michael's Journey into the Wine World 03:30 A Day in the Life of a Head of Auctions 04:25 Understanding the Auction Process 09:17 Assessing Wine Condition and Quality 14:12 Market Pricing and Trends 16:31 Diverse Buyer Preferences 18:18 Finding Bargains in the Wine Market 24:57 Investment Wines and Speculation 27:00 The Secondary Market Dynamics 30:23 Surprising Sales and Unique Collections 38:09 Dealing with Fraudulent Wines 42:20 Quickfire Questions with MichaelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Philip Rich reveals what it’s really like to be a wine critic, and why Burgundy has his heart | Halliday Tasting Team
In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, respected wine critic and educator Philip Rich reflects on his decades-long journey through the Australian and global wine landscape. Drawing on his early days in wine retail, including co-founding Prince Wine Store, Philip shares insights into the evolution of wine knowledge and the challenges of modern wine sourcing. He unpacks what makes Burgundy so compelling, the nuances of pinot noir, and the delicate balance required in curating a successful wine list. The conversation is rich with personal stories, professional learnings, and thoughtful observations on tasting and judging wine in different contexts. Connect with us: Philip Rich on Instagram About Philip Rich Wine Companion on Instagram Halliday Wine Companion Halliday Wine Club LANGTONS Key Takeaways: Philip Rich began his wine career in the early 1980s at Crittendens Fine Wine Merchants. Over time, wine professionals and consumers have become significantly more informed. Restaurant wine lists are now considered just as important as the food menu. Sourcing wine has become increasingly difficult due to market and production shifts. Burgundy is revered for its clear expression of terroir, particularly through pinot noir. Wine buying requires an understanding of both consumer tastes and industry trends. A strong wine list balances customer satisfaction with profitability. Wine shows now serve as marketing platforms and provide critical feedback for producers. Effective wine tasting involves both sensory skill and situational context. Vertical tastings and personal experiences deepen wine understanding. Chapters: 00:00 Philip Rich's Journey into the Wine Industry03:00 Evolution of Wine Knowledge and Industry Changes06:05 Sourcing Wines: Past vs Present09:02 The Allure of Burgundy12:04 Pinot Noir: A Unique Expression of Terroir14:59 The Role of a Wine Buyer17:52 Creating a Balanced Wine List22:03 Judging Wines: Show vs Review24:48 The Impact of Wine Shows on Producers27:46 Tasting Mechanics and Wine Education31:44 Personal Wine Preferences and ExperiencesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Winery of the Year drops its brand new range | Melanie Chester of Giant Steps
In the first episode of the new and improved Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, Halliday editor and host Anna Webster speaks with Melanie Chester, head winemaker at Giant Steps in the Yarra Valley. We celebrate Giant Steps being named the 2025 Winery of the Year, discuss the importance of terroir, and the inspiration behind the new Circle of Fifths range. Mel also shares insights into wine judging, the art of blending, and how music plays a role in their winemaking process. The episode closes with a look at quality control, future plans for Giant Steps, and a rapid-fire segment on Mel’s personal wine preferences. Connect with us: Giant Steps Halliday Wine Companion Awards Circle of Fifths Wine Range Giant Steps on Instagram LANGTONS Wine Companion on Instagram Halliday Wine Companion Key Takeaways Melanie Chester’s journey from South Australia to the Yarra Valley Giant Steps winning Winery of the Year 2025 Judging experience as a tool for refining winemaking skills The role of terroir in shaping Yarra Valley wines Circle of Fifths as a celebration of single vineyard wines Blending as both a creative and technical process Music as a unique part of Giant Steps' winemaking philosophy The difference between single-vineyard wines and blends The importance of quality control at every stage of production Giant Steps’ plans for vineyard expansion and future growth Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast00:52 – Melanie Chester's Journey in Winemaking02:21 – Winning Winery of the Year: Giant Steps' Achievement05:10 – The Role of Judging Experience in Winemaking07:00 – Understanding Terroir: The Unique Vineyards of Yarra Valley10:09 – The Circle of Fifths: A New Wine Range13:59 – The Art of Blending Wines18:21 – The Influence of Music in Winemaking20:09 – Single Vineyard vs Blended Wines23:02 – Tasting and Quality Control in Winemaking26:24 – Future Aspirations for Giant Steps32:15 – Quickfire Questions with Melanie Chester If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, leave a review, and share it with fellow wine enthusiasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.
Australia