Amanda Barnes, Author at Circle of Wine Writers

Meet the Member: Michael Fridjhon

Posted on August 8, 2020August 9, 2020 by Michael Fridjhon

Michael Fridjhon delivers a frank assessment on the far-reaching impact of Covid-19 on the Cape wine industry, which has seen a ban on exports and alcohol sales. He also talks about defining moments in the development of the South African wine scene, and how pre-Covid, he never really had a ‘normal’ day. This has been one of the toughest times for the South African wine industry in recent years. ...

An eruption of Gamay in Côtes d’Auvergne

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Wink Lorch

In the first of two articles, Wink Lorch leaves the French Alps and veers into volcanic mountain territory to explore the Côtes d’Auvergne, a wine region that has risen from the ashes, and is joined by fellow CWW member and Loire expert Jim Budd. The second instalment is due to appear in September’s edition of The Circular. Having been lucky enough to spend lockdown high up in my French Alpine ho...

TerraNoble’s quest for terroir Carmenère

Posted on August 8, 2020August 12, 2020 by Amanda Barnes

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The Drinks Trust CV-19 Emergency Grant data shows where need is greatest

Posted on July 6, 2020July 6, 2020 by Amanda Barnes

Having helped over 1,750 beneficiaries who applied for The Drinks Trust COVID-19 Emergency Grant, the following trends have become clear having now analysed the data. To date, 1,750 beneficiaries have been awarded a £250 grant In the first 5 months of 2020, The Drinks Trust have awarded over £800,000 in financial and wellbeing grants versus £627,339 in the whole of 2019 31% of grant r...

Matt Wilson’s photography goes on exhibition, in 3D

Posted on July 6, 2020July 6, 2020 by Matt Wilson

Circle member and Chile-based photographer Matt Wilson has his work currently on exhibition — virtually! The 3D exhibition at Kunstmatrix shows some of his more iconic images from the last 15 years and includes 48 pieces. Many of the images are for sale and 20% of all proceeds will go to one of two charities, The Drinks Trust and Show Racism the Red Card.

Meet the Member: Sue Tolson

Posted on July 6, 2020July 7, 2020 by Sue Tolson

Sue Tolson has become increasingly involved in the Hungarian wine scene, having been based in Budapest for several years. Amanda Barnes interviews her to find out what's happening in Hungarian wine and why she's also keen to unite volcanic wine producers from around the world. What first sparked your interest in wine? My dad enjoyed wine, so I was always a little interested. Funnily enough, he...

Building community to preserve children’s hope

Posted on July 6, 2020 by Cathrine Todd

When cider is wine

Posted on July 6, 2020July 8, 2020 by Alistair Morrell

Alistair Morrell explores the many parallels between cider/perry and wine, which he feels in its purest form should certainly not be bracketed together with beer. Nevertheless, the process of keeving keeps its unique. Alistair’s presentation to the Circle on the subject can be found on YouTube. When the Cider Is Wine trade alliance was launched at the end of 2018, it raised eyebrows with some bec...

English wine: much more beyond bubbles

Posted on July 6, 2020 by Liz Sagues

Liz Sagues looks back on last month's Circle of Wine Writers seminar on still English wine and why it sparkles just as much as English sparkling wine. The decision to focus the Circle's June 26th webinar on English still wine rather than sparkling was a deliberate one. Coronavirus restrictions permitting, the committee is planning a masterclass and tasting early in November to help bring the too-...

Château de Pommard: trailblazing a way into the brave new wine world

Posted on July 5, 2020July 6, 2020 by Amanda Barnes

From the comfort of home, Amanda Barnes gets to taste the latest releases of the 300-year-old Burgundy winery and to learn about how despite being highly tech savvy, it is lo-fi in the vineyards and well on the road to becoming certified biodynamic. We’ve all had the age-old argument about whether wine is more about art or science, but how much of it is tech? In today’s fast-moving world, the im...