Journalist invites wine lovers on global adventure

Inspired by the classic travel novel by Jules Verne, a British wine journalist has set out on an epic journey to document 80 harvests in 80 different wine regions as the basis for new book.

Wine writer Amanda Barnes

Titled Around the World in 80 Harvests, Amanda Barnes and her team will visit more than 42 countries on six continents over a two year period from 2016-2017, during Autumn/Fall harvest in each hemisphere.

Their journey will take in 80 wine regions around the world during their harvest period, including classic old world regions of Champagne, Burgundy and the Mosel, to new world wine routes in Peru, Thailand, Namibia and India.

“The key to understanding any wine is to understand where it comes from – the people, the place, the conditions and the traditions,” says creator and wine journalist Amanda Barnes. “There is no better time to get to grips with the ‘terroir’ than when the grapes are being harvested. This is the ethos behind 80 Harvests.”

Using social media, an interactive website and a monthly digital magazine, Barnes is inviting wine enthusiasts on her journey, posting live streamed interviews with winemakers and viticulturists, online wine tastings, webinars and photography along the way.

“Not only will the content itself be unique, but also the approach”, said Barnes. “I want everyone to be part of the process of writing this book, and get to see each region as we visit them and connect with the people and the place.”

The journey will culminate with the publication of a book, Around the World in 80 Harvests, written by Barnes – a wine journalist who specialises in South American wine and travel. Born and raised in Hampshire, Barnes moved to Argentina and Chile in 2009 where she has been based since.

The team will start their journey in South America this month, winding their way to the USA and Canada through Mexico, before finishing the year in Europe. 2017 will see Barnes start her journey in Africa, before heading to Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania, heading back to Europe, and then China and Japan, before ending the epic journey in late 2017 in Canada and Germany for the regions’ ice harvests.

Barnes has launched a Kickstarter campaign, that will run until 27 March, to help fund the project, and is also seeking corporate sponsors and partners in wine, travel, events, technology, tourism and other related industries. For more information on getting involved with the project email info@amandabarnes.co.uk.