Amanda Barnes, Author at Circle of Wine Writers

Tools of the trade: road testing Kurt Zalto’s Josephine glasses in the world’s hardest wine exam

Posted on September 29, 2023September 30, 2023 by Amanda Barnes

Amanda Barnes shares her experience of taking the Master of Wine practical exam, and reveals her weapon of choice to tackle it — a wine glass with a special kink. A version of this article was first published on Around The World in 80 Harvests. The practical part of the Master of Wine exam is one of the hardest undertakings I have ever experienced. It is not only an intense academic experience, b...

Anne Krebiehl MW and Amanda Barnes shortlisted for IWSC Wine Communicator Trophy

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Robert Smyth

Circle members Anne Krebiehl MW and Amanda Barnes have been shortlisted for 2024 IWSC Wine Communicator Trophy. Judges described Krebiehl as "a real role model and a natural storyteller who attracted many people into wine", and Barnes as "on an impressive career track and has become an inspiration for a lot of people in the world of wine". They are shortlisted with Agustina de Alba, Essi Ave...

New Member: Linda Galloway

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Amanda Barnes

Linda Galloway began her writing career as a news and features journalist in South Africa, where her wine education also started. Living on the doorstep of the Cape Winelands in the 1980s and 90s was the perfect introduction to an industry on the brink of exciting growth and development. Pursuing her career, she moved to London and was appointed chief sub-editor of the Weekend section of The Ti...

L’ Acadie Blanc bubbling away nicely on North Atlantic peninsula

Posted on September 29, 2023September 29, 2023 by Nathalie Spielmann

Nathalie Spielmann dives into Nova Scotian traditional method sparkling wines, made from its signature hybrid grape variety. Nova Scotia, a quaint Atlantic province of Canada, has many things going for it. The bustling harbour city of Halifax, the historic landmarks and villages, famous ships (like the Bluenose) and shipwrecks, undoubtedly the best lobster in the world, high tides, and picturesqu...

Rating the Rieds of Austria

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Jochen Erler

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Wendy Narby launches Wine and 2 Veg

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Amanda Barnes

Circle member Wendy Narby has launched a new seasonal recipe collection for plant-based wine enthusiasts with fellow wine expert Sally Evans. Wine and 2 Veg is a website that serves as both recipe ideas and a guide on optimally pairing plant-based dishes with wine, reflecting the authors' health-conscious and holistic approach to wine consumption. Narby is a leading Bordeaux Wine Educator an...

Meet the Member: Joanna Simon

Posted on September 25, 2023September 30, 2023 by Amanda Barnes

Joanna Simon is a prolific wine writer and editor, whose career includes 22 years as wine critic for The Sunday Times, authoring several wine books and serving editor of various food and drinks magazines. In our Meet the Member interview, she tells Amanda Barnes why she is surprised Riesling remains niche in the UK and talks about the irresistible appeal of photography. What is your first...

Exploring Campanha and a direction for Brazilian wine

Posted on August 31, 2023August 31, 2023 by Amanda Barnes

Graševina: from beach bars to raising the quality bar

Posted on August 31, 2023 by Robert Smyth

New Member: Cindy Rynning

Posted on August 31, 2023 by Amanda Barnes

Cindy Rynning has been writing about wine, food and travel on her award-winning blog, Grape Experiences, since 2011. She holds the WSET 3 certification and with her experience as a classroom teacher and a law librarian, she believes educating others using a variety of strategies is key. The content of wine is no exception and Cindy is diligent in finding a variety of ways to educate others. ...