News Archives - Circle of Wine Writers

Circular Editor Amanda Barnes receives another award

Posted on May 5, 2019May 5, 2019 by Keith Grainger

Keith Grainger celebrates two awards Circular Editor Amanda Barnes has recently won and shares insight into why these awards, in memory of Geoffrey Roberts, Tim Derouet and Geoffrey Jameson, were created. I know she is much too modest to sing her own praises and trumpet her achievements so I’ve taken it upon myself to tell readers about awards that Amanda Barnes, editor of The Circular, has won i...

Circle photographers take home top trophies at Wine Photographer of the Year

Posted on May 5, 2019 by Amanda Barnes

Congratulations to wine photographers and Circle members Mick Rock, Matt Wilson and Jon Wyand for winning 1st place awards at the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year and the Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Year Awards! Jon Wyand took home the trophy for Wine Photographer of the Year, winning overall on the evening for his image of 'Cleaning the Cuverie' at Domaine Faiveley in Mercure. Th...

New member: Victor Smart

Posted on May 1, 2019 by Amanda Barnes

Victor Smart is a long-time wine enthusiast who has worked for national media, including the Observer. He has appeared as a pundit on BBC, Sky News and CNN, covering everything from politics to business. He writes regularly for publications such as The Buyer and Financial Times specialist publications. He believes that behind every wine there is a story to tell about people, places and traditio...

Tribute to Lena Inger

Posted on April 7, 2019April 9, 2019 by Amanda Barnes

Lena Inger was a longstanding Circle member and an influential educator for over three decades. With her long-time partner, Sandy Leckie, and fellow Circle member Vivienne Franks, she managed one of the most important wine schools in the country, The Wine Education Service Limited. Fellow members pay tribute to Lena: "So many people who enjoy wine will be sad to hear of Lena’s death. ...

New member: Laura Donadoni

Posted on April 7, 2019 by Laura Donadoni

Laura Donadoni is an Italian wine journalist and blogger, based in San Diego, where she founded "The Italian Wine Girl" blog and La Com Wine Agency (a licensed wine importing company and P.R. and communications firm) five years ago. Laura is a columnist for SommJournal and Tasting Panel, a certified sommelier (also with WSET Level 3), a certified wine educator and is a Vinitaly International ...

New Member: Billy Abbott

Posted on March 2, 2019 by Amanda Barnes

Billy Abbott is a London-based drinks writer with a focus on whisky, fine spirits and beer. Formerly a computer programmer in the finance industry, he jumped into the world of writing full time in 2011. By day, Billy works for The Whisky Exchange, writing, blogging, managing online communities, leading the internal training program and acting as the company's whisky ambassador. The rest of the ...

Gerard Basset: A tribute to the ‘world’s favourite sommelier’

Posted on January 26, 2019February 8, 2019 by Amanda Barnes

Gerard Basset sadly lost his battle to cancer of the oesophagus on 16th February. A member of the Circle, Gerard was a well-known and well-loved figure in the world of wine holding prestigious titles including Master of Wine, Master Sommelier and the World's Best Sommelier. Beyond his titles, Gerard was a kind, humble and generous man. He was a mentor to many aspiring sommeliers and inspired a ge...

Australia Wine Discovered brings ‘Australia to you’

Posted on January 23, 2019February 5, 2019 by Amanda Barnes

To access this post, you must purchase Friend of the Circle (inc one-off joining fee), Corporate Friend of the Circle (inc one-off joining fee), Friend of the Circle (renewals) or Corporate Friend of the Circle (renewals).

Fredrik Schelin’s book on Champagne wins Swedish edition of Gourmand cookbook awards

Posted on January 18, 2019 by Fredrik Schelin

Fredrik Schelin has won the Swedish edition of Gourmand Cookbook Awards for the best book on French wine with his new book Champagne, 49 million bubbles in every bottle. Released in 2018, Champagne, 49 million bubbles in every bottle tells the story of Champagne and other sparkling wines. Schelin's book now goes on as a Finalist into the international awards. Winners of which will be announced ...

New Member: Adam Sebag Montefiore

Posted on January 18, 2019January 26, 2019 by Adam Sebag Montefiore

Adam Sebag Montefiore was born in London, worked in the UK wine trade and studied at the WSET. He was a Founder and Honorary Member of The Academy of Wine Service. Moving to Israel in 1989, he worked for Israeli wineries for many years and played a significant role in the development of Israeli wines. He founded Handcrafted Wines of Israel. Adam Montefiore has been the wine writer for the Jerusa...