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Sophie Thorpe

“Sophie Thorpe is an award-winning freelance wine writer based in London. Her work can be found at firstpress.uk.

Plus, a new guide to supermarket wines...

A drink with...Eleni Kechri: Exploring pine forest terroir in Retsina

'We call it meta-retsina...'

By Sophie Thorpe Published 20 August 26
Book review: Thirst by John Robins is 'an important read, as well as a good one'

A darkly humorous memoir about alcoholism...

By Sophie Thorpe Published 15 July 26
'A real treat': Our book reviewer devours 'Pressing Matters' by Alan Ramey

A witty tour of a complex wine world...

By Sophie Thorpe Published 26 June 26
Bourgogne Passetoutgrains: A taste of Burgundy as it once was and why it deserves its revival

A dash of Gamay does wonders for the wallet...

By Sophie Thorpe Published 18 May 26
‘I forgot how delicious mature Bordeaux is’: 22 bottle-aged wines to drink now

Returning to old favourites...

By Sophie Thorpe Published 13 May 26
Our book reviewer on new title 'The Look of Wine: Reading Wine Color'

Decanter's regular reviewer enjoys the beautiful photography in new book 'The Look of Wine', but remains unconvinced by its central argument...

By Sophie Thorpe Published 13 May 26

New book on Japanese wine offers 'comprehensive guide'

Our reviewer finds a self-published gem...

By Sophie Thorpe Published 20 April 26
Best books on sake: Discover the story of Japan’s national drink

Great reads that will leave you thirsty for a glass...

By Sophie Thorpe Published 12 March 26
Wine on YouTube: Stars and channels to watch

Including a new series not to miss...

By Sophie Thorpe Published 18 February 26
This new book is ‘far from an impenetrable reference guide, but not in the least oversimplified,’ says our regular reviewer

The first in a new series about Bordeaux’s main communes...

By Sophie Thorpe Published 20 January 26
Our best wine books for Christmas: Nine great reads and perfect gifts

Essential, entertaining reads for the festive season...

By Sophie Thorpe Published 18 December 25
Books: From table to page – new wine books by renowned sommeliers

Our regular reviewer on two new reads in the wine world...

By Sophie Thorpe Published 26 November 25

This book is ‘reminiscent of a school project’, says our reviewer

Decanter's regular reviewer on Assouline’s latest Wine & Travel release...

By Sophie Thorpe Published 29 October 25
One to watch: Margaret River’s Trait Wines

A family affair...

By Sophie Thorpe Last updated 27 October 25
Books: Delve into three introductory wine titles

Decanter's regular reviewer on three new wine books...

By Sophie Thorpe Last updated 20 October 25
This new book is a compelling read, worthy of attention, says our reviewer

Decanter's regular reviewer on a new wine read...

By Sophie Thorpe Last updated 26 September 25
Books: Taste the Limestone, Smell the Slate by Alex Maltman

Decanter's regular reviewer on a new wine read...

By Sophie Thorpe Published 14 July 25
Books: Drunk by Edward Slingerland

Decanter's regular reviewer on the latest wine read, 'Drunk'...

By Sophie Thorpe Published 18 June 25

Books: The Wines of California by Elaine Chukan Brown

Decanter's regular reviewer on the latest Classic Wine Library release...

By Sophie Thorpe Published 15 May 25
Books: Adventurous souls ‘living the dream’

Decanter's regular reviewer looks at books worth seeking out...

By Sophie Thorpe Last updated 23 April 25
Books: One Thousand Vines by Pascaline Lepeltier

Decanter's regular reviewer looks at books worth seeking out...

By Sophie Thorpe Published 17 March 25
Books: A ‘genuinely joyous’ and irreverent new tome by Dan Keeling

Decanter's regular reviewer looks at books worth seeking out...

By Sophie Thorpe Published 19 February 25
Books: The science of tasting wine

Decanter's regular reviewer looks at books worth seeking out...

By Sophie Thorpe Last updated 4 February 25
Wine books: Pour yourself a good read for summer

A round-up of some of the best recent wine-related titles...

By Sophie Thorpe Last updated 23 July 24