Comprehensive guide to South American wine published

English wine writer Amanda Barnes has published one of the most comprehensive guide’s to South American wine to date, taking in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Peru.

Called The South America Wine Guide, the 528-page book is based on a decade of research and interviews conducted by Barnes while living on the continent.

The weighty tome features detailed maps, evocative photography from Matt Wilson and an introduction by Barnes to the continent’s best winemakers and wines.

In collaboration with over 60 regional specialists, the guide details 70 wine regions and maps out 40 wine regions, many of which have never before been documented in the English language.

With her engaging and accessible style, Barnes delves into 500 years of wine history, bringing the reader up to speed on the latest developments taking place across Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Peru today.

The guide features winemaker and winery profiles, wine region travel guides, and a curated list of each region’s best wines via a ‘Terroir Selection’ of 403 wines that made the cut from over 2,500 tasted while compiling the book.

Hugh Johnson OBE described the “beautifully presented” book as “essential reading” for those keen to learn about “the turbo-charged wine industries of South America”.

Printed by Kingsbury Press, The South America Wine Guide is available in the UK, US and Europe priced at £35. It’s also available via Kindle for £21.

Born in England, Barnes is an award-winning wine writer who has been based in South America since 2009 and is a regular correspondent for Decanter magazine. She is currently studying to become a Master of Wine.

While writing the book she slurped her way through 1,500 Malbecs and necked over 800 Chilean oysters.