Stephen Barrett

Stephen Barrett (1946-2024) was a seasoned freelance wine professional and great raconteur. He wrote regularly for the Wickhams Wine Blog and was published in many national titles. He was a great entertainer who will be sadly missed.

Rosé Wines, get ready for summer

Stephen Barrett July 16th, 2024 5 minute read

Lifestyle & Opinion

I remeber rosé wines reaching the UK in the heady days of the 1970’s. Some readers will remember, but for those neither born nor imbibing,...

Bacchus Wine, the God, and the Grape

Stephen Barrett June 25th, 2024 5 minute read

Quick Guide

Join me as I explore the burgeoning reputation of bacchus wine. A fascinating young grape variety amongst English wine enthusiasts. A variety named after...

Food and Wine for Easter, My Top Picks

Stephen Barrett March 16th, 2024 5 minute read

Lifestyle & Opinion

The long, four-day Easter break is the perfect time to celebrate with family and friends. Read on for my food and wine for Easter top tips. Although...

Two Perfect Rioja Wines For Easter Lunch

Stephen Barrett February 29th, 2024 3 minute read

Lifestyle & Opinion

Read on for two Rioja wines, perfectly suited to elevate your Easter feast. Easter heralds the start of spring. I'm a big fan, and find it a good excuse...

A Guide to Pinot Noir Wine

Stephen Barrett May 28th, 2023 10 minute read

Quick Guide

It’s a probable nailed-on fact that most wine drinkers remember their first taste of a Pinot Noir wine. It's a taste which starts a journey. A journey...

A Celebration of Rioja, 4 Top Picks

Stephen Barrett April 12th, 2023 3 minute read

Lifestyle & Opinion

With Rioja being a perfect partner to any celebration, I thought I would revisit this extraordinary wine region with a few words of history and certainly...

Celebrate Beaujolais with these four top picks

Stephen Barrett November 5th, 2022 3 minute read

Lifestyle & Opinion

Like vineyards throughout the northern hemisphere autumn brings the harvest of grapes to Beaujolais. Winemakers begin the elaboration of wines, and the...

Award winning wine, 3 top choices

Stephen Barrett August 27th, 2022 3 minute read

Lifestyle & Opinion

When buying wines it’s always good to have some sort of recommendation. Award winning wine, word of mouth, or a wine blog are great ways to get...

Sandridge Barton, The New Home for Sharpham Wine

Stephen Barrett May 28th, 2022 3 minute read

News

Sandridge Barton sits on the banks of the River Dart close to Stoke Gabriel. A few miles downstream is Sharpham House, site of a pioneering English vineyard....

Huxbear Vineyard, Sustainable Viticulture in Devon

Stephen Barrett April 30th, 2022 6 minute read

Lifestyle & Opinion

With the recent proliferation of vineyards and wineries in the UK it has become rather difficult for me to fit them all in! But, I will go the extra mile...