Devon Life is reporting that Stephen Barrett, the UK wine critic and restaurateur, has passed away at the age of 77.
I had the pleasure of meeting Stephen at many press wine tastings. He had a remarkable way with words that truly set him apart. I mentioned him in the Bordeaux Experience tasting where he described some of the wines as simply ‘mad’. It was a perfect example of his unique and vivid approach to capturing the essence of a wine.
Photo: Stephen at a Wines of Rueda, Navarra and Toro tasting.
We always had a great rapport, and whenever our paths crossed, our conversations easily turned to the most-different wines in the room and which ones we thought were the ‘best’. It’s sad to know that I won’t have the chance to share those moments with him again.
Known for his larger-than-life personality, Stephen was a prominent figure in Plymouth’s hospitality scene, widely respected for his expertise in wine. He wrote a long-running wine column for The Plymouth Herald and was an active member of the Circle of Wine Writers. His sudden death at home in Plymouth prompted an outpouring of tributes from friends, colleagues and the local community.
Stephen’s career began in the 1980s when he opened Barrett’s restaurant in Plymouth, competing with fellow restaurateur Edmond Davari, who later bought his restaurant. He was also known for running Bistro One and for his charitable efforts, including selling part of his art collection to support local causes.
Beyond his restaurant work, Stephen co-created and consulted on the Channel 4 gameshow Wine Hunt and authored a travel book on Eastern Europe. His influence extended beyond Plymouth, with many remembering him for his generous spirit, sense of humour and deep knowledge of wine.
Tributes from friends, fellow restaurateurs, and the arts community highlighted his kindness, wit, and the lasting impact he made on those around him. Stephen was remembered as a beloved character in both the local and wider community, who will be greatly missed.
