Amanda Barnes
Amanda Barnes
Amanda Barnes is a British wine writer, journalist, and presenter. She is widely regarded as one of the leading authorities on South American wine and became a Master of Wine in February 2025—the first person to earn the title while living in South America.
Career
Barnes began her career as a journalist in the United Kingdom before relocating to South America in 2009 to specialise in wine writing. She has contributed to publications including Decanter, The World of Fine Wine, JancisRobinson.com, The Drinks Business, and Wine Enthusiast. Her writing has also appeared in major wine reference books such as The World Atlas of Wine, The Oxford Companion to Wine, and Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book.
Her work frequently explores the cultural and viticultural landscapes of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. Barnes is the editor of the Circle of Wine Writers and regularly speaks at international wine events including the London Wine Fair and Vinexpo. She also teaches and presents at consumer, corporate, and charity events. Barnes is a wine critic for various publications and serves as a judge at international wine competitions, including acting as Chair of Chile for the Decanter World Wine Awards.
The South America Wine Guide
In 2021, Barnes published The South America Wine Guide, a comprehensive book covering more than 70 wine regions and featuring interviews with over 100 winemakers. The book received critical acclaim for its accessibility and depth, winning several awards including:
- John Avery Award, André Simon Food and Drink Book Awards (2022)
- Best Debut Drinks Book, Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards (2022)
- Best International Wine Book, Gourmand World Cookbook Awards (2022)
Master of Wine
Barnes became a Master of Wine in February 2025 after passing all components of the rigorous MW examination administered by the Institute of Masters of Wine. She is the first person to achieve the title while based in South America, marking a milestone both for her personal career and the global visibility of South American wine.
Early life and education
Barnes grew up in New Alresford, Hampshire, and attended Perins School and Peter Symonds College in Winchester. She holds a BA in Comparative Literature from King's College London and earned an NQJ qualification from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).
Awards
- 2024 – Best All-Round Wine Communicator, 67 Global Wine Communicator Awards
- 2022 – John Avery Award, André Simon Food and Drink Book Awards
- 2022 – Best Debut Drinks Book, Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards
- 2022 – Best International Wine Book, Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
- 2019 – Geoffrey Roberts Award
- 2019 – Derouet Jameson Prize (WSET Diploma)
- 2018 – Peter Hampson Memorial Prize (WSET Diploma)
- 2018 – Millésima Blog Awards
References
External links
- Official website
- Amanda Barnes MW profile – Institute of Masters of Wine
- Amanda Barnes on Decanter
- [1]
- Interview with Falstaff magazine – "Dry Extract" (2023)
- Wanderlust & Vine interview – "Meet the South America Wine Guide"
- Podcast: In the Vineyard With – Episode 60: Amanda Barnes (Chile)
- Circle of Wine Writers – Book Review of *The South America Wine Guide*
- Wine & Spirit Educators – Book Review
- WineSpeed – Book Review by Karen MacNeil
References
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