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 wine and his desire to keep learning. He was generous of spirit, appreciative of and helpful towards anyone else in the trade. He was encouraging to others and modest himself.
He was always cheerful (at least, whenever I met him) despite sometimes having had to spend the night on a coach getting up to London from Plymouth for one tasting or another. I will remember his big black boots, his leather jacket, his friendly face, and his many anecdotes.
Many people have mentioned to me over the years about how welcoming Stephen was when they first joined the wine trade — as he was to me. I will miss him.”
Laura Clay
“Stephen had a great love for life and learning, and he was a much loved man. His skill as a wine and food communicator had over many years enthused many. I always enjoyed meeting up at tastings — the last was this spring at The Wine Society and the Wine of Portugal events where we shared each others’ news, between wines!
I first met him through AWE, but one year whilst on holiday in St Ives, I bumped into him on Fore St with my husband Rowan. We dived into the nearest holstelry and before we knew it the afternoon had gone by! Ever since we exchanged views over our shared love of St Ives, art, folk music, Portugal and, of course, wine!
So much fun was Stephen and a real talent too. Sleep well my ‘ansome until we meet again!”
Carolyn Bosworth-Davies
“Stephen was an enthusiastic wine professional and one of the kindest, most thoughtful people you could meet. His vibrant curiosity and passion for wine shone through in everything he did. Whether on press trips or at tastings, he always brought an infectious enthusiasm that enriched the experience for everyone around him.
I was fortunate to have Stephen join on a few memorable press trips which I had organised, including one to the Marche with the Circle of Wine Writers (CWW) and another to Soave. His love for local cuisines and ingredients, deeply rooted in his own background as a chef, always added a unique perspective. As someone who lived by the sea in Plymouth, Stephen had a special affinity for seafood, and his expertise in food and wine pairing was truly exceptional.
His absence leaves a profound void not only in the wine world but also in the hearts of all of us who knew him through the CWW. Stephen’s warmth, knowledge, and joyful spirit will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.”
Michele Shah
“I have known Stephen for about 25 years, first as a fellow wine educator, we went on a number of trips together, then as a chef, we dined at his restaurant in Plymouth. As members of the Circle we also travelled together.
Stephen ran wine tours for his eclectic followers from the South West. Spanish trips were one of his specialities. His wicked sense of humour and bubbly personality will be deeply missed.”
Vivienne Franks
“On a trip to Languedoc-Roussillon last year, I got the chance to know Stephen better. He had recovered from major heart surgery just a few months previously, but continued with his characteristic good humour and gentle sense of fun — as well as the enthusiasm to always learn more.”
Heather Dougherty
“The outpouring of love, respect and shock for Stephen following his sudden death reflects his extraordinarily kind nature and professional approach. I don’t think he ever had an easy life, but he always focussed on what he did best, preparing food and sharing food, learning about wine and transmitting his knowledge in myriad ways.
He was also a big supporter of his hometown Plymouth and the food/wine from the local area. No-one could forget meeting this diminutive, lovely man and he was a superb educator with so many fans among wine consumers, and respect amongst his colleagues and peers.
Stephen came on the AWE trip that I organised in 2003 (or was it 2002?) to Chile and Argentina. On the final night in Chile, we were entertained for an evening at Errazuriz’ Viñedo Chadwick estate, near Santiago, with Eduardo Chadwick looking after us. We went to look at the vineyard, just outside the house, when it was dusk, and Stephen unfortunately tripped over an unseen vineyard wire at the end of a row and fell badly on his arm. Jayne Bridges was with us, and they were long-term close colleagues and friends. She took him inside and enquired where he could lie down. Chile back then being a little more primitive than today and with our trip across the Andes in a minibus to Mendoza the next day in the planning, Stephen was determined not to get medical help if he could avoid it. But it was obviously serious. So, en route to our hotel, if I remember rightly, we dropped Jayne and Stephen at the hospital emergency, where they spent most of the night. Next morning, bright and early, there was Stephen, a little pale, arm in sling, determined to do the rest of the trip with us, whatever painkillers it took. That was him. He persisted, he never stopped. His arm never recovered fully, I believe.
Lovely Stephen, how sad. I haven’t seen him for years but still I miss him.”
Wink Lorch