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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