Hello wine friends and welcome back! In this special episode, we sit down with the incredible Amanda Barnes, award-winning wine journalist and newly minted Master of Wine—one of only 425 in the world! As the author of The South American Wine Guide, Amanda is an expert on the region’s vibrant wine scene.
You can buy here book HERE
I'm excited to interview Amanda because passing the Master of Wine exams is an incredible achievement. These exams are famously tough, requiring deep knowledge, sharp tasting skills, and relentless dedication. This episode celebrates Amanda's success, starting with her journey—her challenges, discoveries, and advice for anyone pursuing their goals, whether in wine or another passion.
The first 24 minutes focus on Amanda's story, including practical tips on blind tasting, refining your palate, and effective study methods.
Since this episode aligns with International Women's Day on March 8th, we also spotlight trailblazing South American women winemakers. Starting at the 24-minute mark, Amanda, an expert in South American wines, highlights a few names you need to know—Susana Balbo, Agus Hanna (Bodega Ruca Malen), and Emily Faulkner (Viña Carmen). She also shares some great-value South American wines to try and explains how soil types shape their flavors.
I hope this episode inspires you and offers a deeper look at the wine world and the people pushing its boundaries. Enjoy the stories and the learning. Cheers!
I’m proud to be working with Drinklusive—the drink industry's first-ever inclusivity mentorship program founded by Aidy Smith, and The Three Drinkers, and supported by Jancis Robinson, the Gérard Basset Foundation, and WSET. It’s all about giving underrepresented voices a platform in the drinks world. If you're in the UK, applications are open now - CLICK HERE!
If you want to skip ahead:
03.12: The difficulty of the MW qualification
06.04: How the pandemic interrupted Amanda’s studies and preparation
07.18: The grueling MW exam process and the sacrifices required
08.07: Breaking down the MW theory papers, covering viticulture, winemaking, and business
09.44: The blind tasting exam and analyzing structure over simple identification
10.28: The importance of writing detailed tasting notes during exams
12.07: Giving up alcohol and how that benefits sharpening your palette
14.23: Why acidity, tannins, and alcohol levels are more reliable indicators than fruit flavors
16.19: The differences between tasting for exams and tasting for enjoyment
17.08: Why classic regions like Burgundy were Amanda’s biggest challenge in the MW
19.27: Learning classic regions through conversations with winemakers and experts
22.38: The importance of making wine education enjoyable
24.04: How friendships and study groups helped the MW journey
27.53: How Susana Balbo broke barriers as Argentina’s first female winemaker
29.42: Susana’s contributions beyond winemaking, including her role in politics
31.10: Introducing rising star winemakers, including Agus Hanna (Bodega Ruca Malen) and Emily Faulkner (Viña Carmen)
32.58: Emily Faulkner’s impact on Chilean winemaking
34.36: The evolution of female leadership in South American wineries
36.14: How female MWs, including Jancis Robinson MW and Rosemary George MW, supported Amanda
38.42: Mentorship in the wine industry
41.52: Recommendations of great-value South American wines, including Criolla Grande from Bodega Niven
42.18: Bodega Crusat traditional method sparkling wines from Mendoza
43.20: Chilean Cinsault from Itata - an affordable, high-quality wine
43.35: A los Viñateros Bravos lead by soil geek Leo Erazo
45.21: How soil influences wine and how to identify the signature traits of granite soils in wine
46.37: Exploring soil types to improve your tasting skills
Any thoughts or questions, do email me: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat
If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Until next time, Cheers to you!
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