From backpacker to winner of prestigious wine award

Patrick Gilhooly, director of Thistledown Wines, has been awarded the Wayne Thomas Scholarship for 2024.

Named in honour of the late Wayne Thomas, a celebrated McLaren Vale winemaker and community figure, this scholarship aims to cultivate talent in wine assessment and wine show judging within the region.

Patrick will participate in the Australian Wine Research Institute’s Advanced Wine Assessment Course (AWAC), renowned for its rigorous training in wine evaluation and analysis.

This program not only exposes participants to diverse global wine styles but also enhances their sensory vocabulary and palate calibration. Additionally, Patrick will serve as an associate judge at the 2025 McLaren Vale Wine Show.

“I am truly honoured to receive the Wayne Thomas Scholarship,” says Patrick.

“My journey into the Australian wine industry began during my time here as a backpacker.

“There was always a generosity of spirit from the people I worked with, a willingness to share their time and knowledge.

“Everything I’ve heard about Wayne Thomas seems to completely epitomise that spirit.

“I’m excited to take my first steps into wine show judging, but ultimately, I hope this opportunity helps continue my development as an ambassador for the McLaren Vale region inspired by the generosity and knowledge of those I worked alongside.

“Everything I’ve learned about Wayne Thomas reflects that same spirit.

“I’m eager to embark on my path in wine show judging, and I hope this opportunity further develops my role as an ambassador for McLaren Vale.”

Erin Leggat, CEO of the McLaren Vale Grape, Wine & Tourism Association, says, “We are thrilled to award Patrick Gilhooly the 2024 Wayne Thomas Scholarship.

“He is a passionate ambassador for the McLaren Vale wine region, widely promoting McLaren Vale’s strengths through educational masterclasses and marketing activities both internationally and across Australia.

“We believe he is an extremely worthy recipient and are confident that this scholarship will provide him with the ideal opportunity to advance his skills as an educator and to become involved directly in wine show judging.”

Since its commencement in 2008, this scholarship has not only recognised outstanding regional wine industry talent but also reinforced the role of McLaren Vale Grape, Wine & Tourism Association in supporting the growth and future development of the region’s wine industry.