Amanda Barnes on becoming an MW, hospitality in Argentina, and why we should compare Malbec to Burgundies
Star Wine List’s Mendoza and South America Ambassador has had a busy year, becoming a Master of Wine and receiving the top prize at the inaugural 67 Pall Mall Global Wine Communicator Awards. We get the latest from Amanda Barnes MW.
Amanda Barnes is an award-winning writer, presenter and expert on South American wines. The Brit relocated to the continent in 2009 and her book, The South America Wine Guide is now sold across the world.
A long-serving ambassador for Star Wine List, Amanda has been updating our wine guide to Mendoza, where she lives in ‘La Quinta’ – “a lovely area which is between the city centre and the park, and suits me perfectly with both the busyness of being close to the action while also a few steps away from the peace of the park, and within a short drive of the first vineyards.”
AMANDA'S NEW RED STARS
Since your last update, you've won at the first ever 67 Pall Mall Wine Communicator Awards and become an MW. Has there been anything else?! And how has it all felt?
“I think that's about it! And both have been really rewarding for different reasons – the award was a wonderful surprise and a huge honour, and passing the MW gave me a nice feeling of accomplishment but mainly a feeling of relief to be honest! After years of working toward the MW it feels a little strange not to be studying or have a ‘next stage’ lined up... I suppose it is time to get busy with some new projects.”
How long had you been studying for the MW, and how would you describe the experience?
“I started the program in 2019 but it was interrupted and paused for two years during the pandemic. So it hasn't been the most ‘normal’ of MW journeys or experiences. It is a lot of work and requires serious dedication and life changes. But it is incredibly rewarding – both in terms of enriching your wine knowledge and of meeting lots of wonderful professionals, both inside and outside of the program.”
What's next? Do you have any new big challenges or projects ahead?
“I have a couple of books I would like to write but, as always, it is a challenge to work out how to fund them. It is becoming harder and harder to finance writing and original creativity, especially with the added pressure of AI, so I am currently trying to work out how I can find ways to continue to create fresh content while being able to pay my rent! But Star Wine List will be the first to know when I am ready to share those projects.”
What does the wining and dining scene in Mendoza look like at the moment?
“To be honest it is a tough time in Mendoza and Argentina in general. Prices are incredibly high, and tourism has plummeted as a result, so the gastronomy scene is working harder than ever to stay attractive to both locals and visitors. I think the quality of wining and dining in Mendoza is better than ever, but finding the right balance of price and quality while making businesses sustainable is a real challenge.”
Have you noticed any trends emerging across the region's wine lists?
“We are definitely seeing more white wines and skin contact wines on the menus, which is great. Mendoza used to be very red-driven and focused, with only a couple of white wine options, but today the best restaurants and bars of the city offer a much stronger selection. Not quite 50-50, but definitely more than before! There is also a much greater openness to varieties beyond Malbec, including the more niche Criolla varieties.”
What's the biggest challenge facing hospitality venues right now?
“The economy. Although Argentina has gained in stability, it has become very expensive to run a hospitality business and the low wages also mean that fewer people can afford to go out. It's a Catch 22.”
What are you looking for on a wine list?
“Originality and thought. Far too many of Mendoza's restaurants still rely on the same small handful of big brands, and so any wine list that adds original choices and a thoughtful range of wines is to be celebrated!”
How can a venue impress you?
“Attentive service with a smile. There’s room for every type of cuisine, hosting style, and venue – but attentive, friendly service is non-negotiable.”
Do you have any pet hates in wine service?
“I don't like having the bottle out of reach... unless you have particularly attentive and dedicated service (very uncommon in Mendoza), I prefer to have the bottle within reach for self-service. Far more simple but effective.”
How would you describe Mendoza to someone who's never been there?
“A peaceful tree-lined community at the foot of the Andes mountains, with the vineyards a short 15-minute drive away. Mendoza is a city but feels far more like a town or village!”
What should visitors to Mendoza be sure to do?
“I love the diversity of grape varieties in Mendoza, but I would also say that every visitor should take full advantage to taste the greatest diversity of Malbec that they can! It's the best place to truly understand why Malbec is a terroir grape, and how our sub-regions can be translated in Malbec just as villages and crus can be communicated through Pinot Noir in Burgundy.”
Search like a Pro – explore 3,500+ wine lists
