Wickhams will hit a festival, fair, or market near you
It’s difficult to keep track of Dan Farrell-Wright, the behatted peripatetic founder of Wickhams Wine Merchant. Dan is a human dynamo, a well-lubricated wandering minstrel brimming with stories, wine knowledge and (some say) wit.
Dan travels the country sharing Wickhams finest with pretty much anyone who crosses his path, his arm permanently outstretched, proffering a bottle, perhaps even two.
Dan does not wave, he pours.
There is barely a festival, market nor envelope opening that does not feature Dan’s smiling chops this year - necessarily accompanied by a Tardis-like van of superb, well-priced, personally sourced sup.
Last year was a difficult one for Dan – the loss of Stephen Barrett, his great colleague and friend was keenly felt. Dan and Stephen were a great festival double act. Stephen was as crazy about wine as Dan is. I had the keen pleasure of sharing Wickhams "Grand Tasting Room" with Stephen at Toby’s Garden Festival in the gorgeous surrounds of Powderham Castle in 2024. He was a very lovely man. This year I shall be returning to Toby’s with Dan where we shall raise a bottle or three to Stephen.
Toby’s Garden Festival on Friday 2 and Saturday 3rd of May is a truly wonderful event, rich in street food with cultural delights to suit absolutely everyone, even my horrible teenage twins. Last year we paired goat curry with the sapid sumptuousness of Knightor Mena Hweg late harvest Bacchus in the sun – just one of the local wines we brought from Dan’s huge selection (we had a ton of other wines from all over the world too, I’ve included a picture so you get an idea of the scale of this event). We gawped at classic cars and the huge array of artisanal stalls and enjoyed pairing fine food and wine at famed wine writer, Susy Atkins and Dan’s masterful masterclasses. This year Susy and Toby will be hosting a Fabulous Fizz tasting every day at dusk and wine educator Rebecca Mitchell will be delivering daily food and wine pairing advice every lunchtime too.
This year, as last, we will have Ben and Lucy on hand pouring their wonderful local and carbon-neutral Huxbear wines from Chudleigh AND Champagne Gérin will be represented by Luc Monnereau who shall pour his wares for your delight.
Powderham Castle is a fantastical place, it really brings out the best in everyone, it was such a pleasure to meet and taste with many of you last year - all kinds of characters showed and some brought their dogs – yes dogs are allowed inside the castle - this is an event for everyone and it would be my absolute pleasure to show you our finest wares in glass. I very much hope to see you there.
Failing that come and see us at one of the many events we're attending accross the country. Full details are available on the events page, but be warned, I did say Dan gets around!
