Wine Blog

We are very excited to be joining Toby Buckland for the 9th Toby's Garden Festival on 28th and 29th April (the first Spring Bank Holiday weekend).About Toby's Garden FestivalNow in its ninth year, Toby's Garden Festival festival brings a heady mix of gorgeous plants for sale, fabulous local street food and a free two-day programme of garden workshops, food & drink talks and now wine to the region’s gardeners.The location as ever is Powderham Castle, an impressive 14th century castle still …

Wine and horseracing have always gone hand in glove. The archetypal image is the big win celebration and a magnum of Champagne showering jockey and owners. Associations of high society, refinement and luxury are hard to avoid. The link between wine and horse racing is a combination of geography, tradition, and shared cultural values.At Wickhams we love a day at the races, which is why we are proud to be sponsoring Jack Tudor.Jack Tudor and the Rise of Kitty's LightIn the world of horse raci …

This year, International Women’s Day is on March 8. The aim is to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Like many industries the world of wine has historically been heavily male influenced. But, thankfully, the times, they are a' changing. Women are making significant strides in the wine industry, challenging traditional gender roles, and making an impact on the global wine landscape. From winemakers to vineyard managers, women are playing key r …

What are the best wines to pair with Christmas lunch? The answer to that question is always: the wine you like.  Wine should enhance a meal and bring enjoyment. There are, though, some tried and tested rules that can help you find that perfect bottle: 1. The intensity of the wine should match the intensity of the food Big, bold foods should be paired with big bold wines, whilst delicate foods should be paired with delicate wines. It’s why we often p …

For years Rioja has been a story of wood. Specifically, oak. It all started in the 18th century when Don Manuel Esteban Quintano Quintano (so good they named him twice) travelled to Bordeaux.Nobody Expects the Spanish Inquisition Don Manuel came from a family of winemakers with vineyards in Labastida in Rioja Alavesa. Don Manuel was not sure that he wanted to become a winemaker. Instead, he thought he might follow in his uncles’ footsteps by joining the church (and the Spanish Inq …

Beaujolais Nouveau Day, 17 November 2022  Every year, Beaujolais Nouveau Day celebrates the release of France’s most popular vin de primeur (early wine). A light and fruity red made from Gamay grapes which have been grown and harvested by around 400 small farmers in the Beaujolais region, it’s bottled and sold within just 6-8 weeks of the grapes being picked. The 'must' (freshly picked grape juice) is pressed after only three days, so the astringent tannins usually found in red wine …

Gamay is playful little grape, bursting with fun, and eager to please. It’s delicious when young and just a little moreish, often a glass begets a bottle. Little wonder then that there have been mornings when, throat dry and head throbbing, I have sworn: “never again”. The sentiment rarely lasts. The impact of my overindulgence is minimal. I move on. Not so for Philip II aka Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. I assume that his edict on the morning of 31 st July 1395 was his attempt …