Amanda Barnes MW is one of the world’s leading specialists in South American wine and a sought-after consultant, host and writer.

An award-winning writer and Master of Wine, Amanda has spent more than 17 years exploring the continent’s vineyards, wine regions and destinations.

Her work spans books, journalism, tastings, talks, private consulting and luxury wine and travel experiences.

With an exceptional depth of first-hand knowledge and a vast network across the continent, few people know South America’s wine regions and travel destinations in quite as much detail.

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Amanda Barnes Master of Wine and leading expert on South American wine

A trusted voice

A natural communicator and sought-after presenter, Amanda makes wine engaging, accessible and enjoyable, whether she is speaking to first-time tasters or seasoned professionals.

One of the leading experts on South American wine, she was the first person to become a Master of Wine while living on the continent and has spent more than 17 years travelling, tasting and working across its wine regions.

Amanda works across writing, consultancy and live events, with clients ranging from international media and luxury hospitality brands to wineries, private clients and independent businesses. She hosts tastings and masterclasses, speaks at conferences, curates wine lists and advises on wine and travel projects.

Clients & Collaborators

Amanda Barnes MW working with Decanter GRAFF, Pall Mall, Uruguay Wine, Fine Vintage, Fogo e Agua, Fortnum & Mason, Lugano, Texports, and Fine Wine.

Work with Amanda

Amanda Barnes MW, Eduardo Chadwick, Peter Richards MW at the anniversary of the Berlin Tasting in London leading a luxury wine experience with global trade and press.

Consultancy & Wine Curation

Amanda works with restaurants, importers, and private collectors to design wine programs that balance story, style, and strategy. She leverages a global network and strong relationships with producers to curate lists that are distinctive, authentic, and commercially sharp — helping her clients establish identity and stand out from the crowd.

Amanda Barnes, leading expert in the wines of Latin America, giving a lecture and masterclass on South American wine in the US.

Luxury Wine Experiences

Amanda designs and hosts bespoke wine experiences — from immersive regional journeys to private tastings and intimate dinners. Every detail is curated with care, offering access, insight, and just the right amount of indulgence. Her engaging style puts guests at ease, making wine feel effortlessly enjoyable, no matter their level of wine knowledge.

Amanda Barnes wine writer presenting and hosting the Premium Tasting, one of the largest wine tasting events and evenings in Argentina.

Speaking & Events

Whether on stage on in the cellar, Amanda is a natural communicator who brings warmth, clarity, and a sense of connection to every event. As a speaker, host, and educator, Amanda brings energy and ease to everything from international conferences to private corporate tastings and trade masterclasses — always delivering with authority, authenticity, and a touch of humour.

Testimonials

  • An older man with gray curly hair and a beard, dressed in a brown blazer and navy shirt, holding and looking at a bottle of red wine outdoors on a grassy field with trees in the background.

    “Amanda’s dedication, passion and excellence inspire many in the wine world. She is an incredibly valuable woman, not only for her knowledge and experience, but for the positive energy and passion she transmits in everything she does."

    Viñedos Familia Chadwick

  • Katherine Roach, luxury marketing specialist and Director

    “Amanda was an excellent host - bringing a perfect combination of sophistication, entertainment and seamless delivery. Our guests are very used to attending events hosted by luxury brands and all commented on how particularly impressed they were with the curation and presentation of the tasting experience - this is an event we will certainly look forward to repeating."

    Managing Director, Lugano UK & EMEA

  • Karen MacNeil wine writer and author

    “The South America Wine Guide is a fantastic and much needed addition to the pantheon of wine writing. The only thing better than reading this book would be to have that plane ticket to South America in hand and have Amanda Barnes as your travelling companion."

    Karen MacNeil, Author of The Wine Bible

  • Jancis Robinson MW OBE wine writer

    “Amanda is a fount of knowledge on South American wine .”

    Jancis Robinson MW OBE

  • Fine Vintage

    "Amanda was the BEST host of all of our wine tours to date. She was equally jovial as she was knowledgeable. Her passion for wine and South America was truly present from day one. She made the trip a lot of fun."

    Regular clients,
    Fine Vintage wine tours

Best Global Wine Communicator Amanda Barnes. Amanda Barnes winning the top award at 67 Pall Mall Global Wine Communicator Awards as overall best communicator in written word, video and audio.

Editorial & Media

Amanda Barnes is a sought-after writer, presenter, and communicator whose work spans print, digital, and broadcast.

An award-winning journalist and regular contributor to Decanter, JancisRobinson.com, and The World of Fine Wine, Amanda is widely recognised for her thoughtful, informed voice across wine, travel, and lifestyle media.

Specialisms include:

  • Commissioned features, columns, and advertorials

  • Scriptwriting and content creation for digital or print

  • On-screen presenting, podcast hosting, and media appearances

  • Book authorship and long-form editorial projects

  • Strategic consultancy for brand storytelling

Selected Awards & Recognition:
Best All-Round Wine Communicator — 67 Global Wine Communicator Awards; Geoffrey Roberts Award; Millesima Blog Awards; Born Digital Wine Awards; Young Wine Writer of the Year

Amanda Barnes wine critic at Decanter magazine, at a panel tasting with Madeleine Stenwreth MW and Dirceu Vianna Junior MW
Lady South America, Amanda Barnes MW featured as the most prominent voice in South American wine in the Chilean wine magazine La Cav
Autor of the best-selling wine guide to the wine regions of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Peru, Amanda Barnes

Selected Client Highlights

  • Fogo e Agua restaurant in Bad Orb where the exciting wine list is curated by Amanda Barnes MW.

    Distinctive wine programs for luxury restaurant group

    Amanda collaborated with restaurateur Henning Strauss to develop the wine programs and opening of three restaurants in Bad Orb, Germany. She curated bespoke selections and designed staff training and service strategy for each venue, aligning the wine offering with its distinct regional identity: Fogo e Agua (Americas), Tapata (Mediterranean), and Lina’s (Central Europe).

  • 67 Pall Mall members club where Amanda Barnes MW regularly hosts special events and exclusive wine tastings and dinners

    An immersive journey through South America’s wines

    Amanda hosted a sold-out tasting and chef’s table dinner at 67 Pall Mall, guiding guests through a curated selection of South American wines paired with regional dishes — one of several occasions she has been invited to speak at the club as a popular and trusted voice on South American wine.

  • Bottle of Wild Idol sparkling wine in an ice bucket, a luxury brand in non-alcoholic wine

    Editorial consultancy for a luxury alcohol-free sparkling

    As an editorial and communications consultant, Amanda worked with Wild Idol to shape its narrative and position it as a luxury alcohol-free wine brand. She developed the advertorial strategy, crafted key messaging, and guided the brand’s editorial approach to highlight its premium credentials and lifestyle appeal as a category-defining sparkling alternative.

  • Luxury wine tasting hosted by Amanda Barnes MW at Lugano Diamonds headquarters in London

    VIP wine experience at Lugano’s London flagship

    For Lugano Diamonds’ private client dinner, Amanda curated and hosted an exclusive wine evening aligned with the brand’s values of elegance and rarity. Blending storytelling with standout wines, she created a lively, memorable experience that received glowing feedback from the client and attendees.

Award-winning and best-selling 'The South America Wine Guide' book featuring the wines of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Peru.

Amanda Barnes’ acclaimed debut, The South America Wine Guide, explores the wines of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. With expert recommendations, detailed maps, and rich cultural context, it’s an essential companion for wine professionals, collectors, and curious drinkers alike.

  • Best International Wine Book – Gourmand World Cookbook Awards

  • John Avery Award – André Simon Food & Wine Book Awards

  • Best Debut Drinks Book – Fortnum & Mason Food & Drink Awards

The South America
Wine Guide

    • A comprehensive guide to the wine regions of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru

    • Covers terroir essentials, key influencing factors, leading grape varieties, and top producers

    • Includes a historical overview of South American wine and detailed insight into modern-day production

    • Features exclusive analysis and the most comprehensive database of wine production in South America to date

    • Special features on the revival of old vines, heritage regions, and new emerging zones and wine styles

    • Includes full-colour photography, regional maps, wine producer profiles, and curated wine recommendations from over 3,000 bottles tasted

    • Regional maps and terroir guides

    • Profiles of top wine producers

    • 3,000+ wines tasted and selected recommendations

    • Full-colour photography throughout

    • Rich historical context alongside current insights

    • Expert commentary by Master of Wine, Amanda Barnes

  • UK: Sent via Royal Mail 2nd Class (untracked). Typically arrives within 2–5 working days.
    US & Canada: Sent via Transglobal with USPS/Canada Post (tracked). Typically delivered within 7–21 working days.
    Rest of World: Sent via Transglobal with tracked service. Delivery can take several weeks, depending on destination.

    For expedited or alternative shipping options, please email info@amandabarnes.co.uk.

Buy the Book

Connect

For commissions, collaborations, or a good glass of wine — get in touch.