This year, International Women’s Day is on March 8. We're celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of three women in wine. Like many industries the world of wine has historically been heavily male influenced. But, thankfully, the times, they are a' changing. Significant strides are being made by women in wine, challenging traditional gender roles, and making an impact on the global wine landscape. From winemakers to vineyard managers, women are playing key roles in all aspects of the trade. Cecile Dardanelli, Collette O'Leary, and Julia Halupczok are just three of ..read more

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 for the first family get-together of the year. A time, as Geoffrey Palmer would say, to "slam on the lamb", and to which I'll add, to "pull the stopper on a Rioja" (sorry). Traditional fare such as poached salmon, new season lamb, and early spring time fruit dishes are eagerly anticipated. I particulalry look forward to the first rhubarb of the year. The Fish One Salmon could be easily replaced with any other excellent, fresh, local fish, but ..read more

Who came up with the idea of New Year Resolutions? Undoubtedly a puritanical killjoy. As January begins I'm doing try January, not dry January. The festivities of Christmas are a distant memory, pay day is weeks away, and the worst of winter lies ahead. Will eating less, abstaining from alcohol, and dragging our bodies into the early morning darkness to exercise really elevate our mood? Surely not. Good food, good wine and good company, in my humble opinion, are the foundation upon which a healthy mind and a healthy body are built. If I were to make resolutions (I don’t), then I would resolve ..read more

What should you drink on Burns Night? Whisky is the obvious choice, but why not consider a vinous alternative. While the primary goal of my MidWeek Wines website (recommending entry point offerings) is self-evident, it does have a secondary strand. By also featuring “Friday Treat” and “Sunday Best” options, I provide a staircase to the more complex wines that a little extra money can buy. With “Villages” and, then, “Cru” wines sitting atop its everyday versions, Beaujolais offers a great example of that staircase. And it was to that region that I turned when seeking a lightish red for my Burn ..read more

Are you doing dry January? The French Paradox may change your mind. Congratulations to you if you're starting the month with the best intentions. Personally, I don’t subscribe to the idea, maybe because deep down I know I’m too weak willed to see it through, though I prefer to use the excuse of moderation. A study was published thirty years ago which uncovered The French Paradox - moderate wine consumption gives better health outcomes than total abstention. The French drink more wine, eat more cheese and cook with butter and cream – yet they have less coronary heart disease than we puritans i ..read more

In its most prosaic, scientific form, the bubbles in Champagne are simply CO2 – Carbon Dioxide. It’s the same gas that creates bubbles in prosecco, beer and even coke – where the gas is injected as if using a giant soda stream. How the bubbles get into Champagne, though, is far more romantic. Discover our range of Champagne. The Myth of Dom Pérignon It all started in the 18th century with a French monk called Dom Pérignon. For centuries the winemakers of Champagne had tried, without success, to better their Burgundian cousins in the production of high quality, still, red wine. Unfortunately ..read more

At Wickhams we’re known for championing English wines. As well as showcasing a huge variety of wines from across the country on our website, each year we host our English Wine Extravaganza in Exeter, and we also sponsor the award-nominated podcast, The English Wine Diaries We’ve even won awards for our impressive selection, clinching Specialist Merchant of the Year England’ at last year’s International Wine Challenge (IWC) The English Wine Diaries Hosted by journalist and wine aficionado, Rebecca Pitcairn, the show features interviews with sommeliers, vineyard owners, hoteliers and celeb ..read more

How do you pair wine for Christmas day? Whether you’re serving traditional turkey or going with something different, let Wickhams guide you to the perfect wine for Christmas pairings. Canapés and Aperitifs The pop of a cork from a bottle of fizz will let everyone know that the party has started. Crémant makes a great alternative to Champagne, it’s made using the Champagne method, but doesn’t come with the expensive price tag.  Cave de Turckheim “Mayerling” Brut is an elegant option from Alsace. This sparkling Pinot Blanc will cut through the fattiness of smoked salmon blinis or complimen ..read more