Tributes

Stephen Barrett was a popular wine writer and educator, as well as a successful restauranteur. Well loved by many members of the wine trade, Stephen was a long-standing member of the Circle of Wine Writers and Association of Wine Educators (AWE). He passed away aged 77 in his home in Plymouth. Fellow members pay tribute. "I have fond memories of Stephen, particularly of his passion for food and...

Nicolas Belfrage MW was a leading expert and pioneering specialist on the wines of Italy, working as a wine writer as well as a buyer and importer. Author of Life Beyond Lambrusco, The Finest Wines of Tuscany and Central Italy, Barolo to Valpolicella and Brunello to Zibibbo, he was also a regular contributor to publications including Decanter, The World of Fine Wine and Harpers. Born in Los Angele...

Wine writer Philippe Boucheron was a long-standing Circle member and former treasurer of the Circle and deputy chair, serving with Steven Spurrier at the time. Philippe passed away in August. Neil Fairlamb pays tribute. Philippe Boucheron, a very long-standing Circle member who served on the committee for years, has died aged 89. His real name was Nick Mendes. He joined the regular army – the 66...

Michael Broadbent was one of the wine world's best-known personalities, having worked for over 60 years as an eminent author, critic and auctioneer. A fastidious note-taker, Michael began writing his wine notes in 1952 and wrote over 90,000 wine notes in his lifetime - all of which were kept in red notebooks - including many notes on historic vintages that have rarely been tasted by any other crit...

Neville Blech passed away on 6th September 2019, aged 82, following a long battle with cancer. Neville was an active member of the Circle of Wine Writers and also served as Honorary Treasurer. A wine writer, importer and restaurateur, Neville had worked in many aspects of the trade throughout his career. His co-founder at Wine Behind the Label, David Moore, shares his tribute to Neville, f...

Lena Inger was a longstanding Circle member and an influential educator for over three decades. With her long-time partner, Sandy Leckie, and fellow Circle member Vivienne Franks, she managed one of the most important wine schools in the country, The Wine Education Service Limited. Fellow members pay tribute to Lena:   "So many people who enjoy wine will be sad to hear of Lena’s death. ...

Gerard Basset sadly lost his battle to cancer of the oesophagus on 16th February. A member of the Circle, Gerard was a well-known and well-loved figure in the world of wine holding prestigious titles including Master of Wine, Master Sommelier and the World's Best Sommelier. Beyond his titles, Gerard was a kind, humble and generous man. He was a mentor to many aspiring sommeliers and inspired a ge...