My Little Book of Criollas
The untold story of South America’s native grape varieties and the rebels, colonists, and comrades who shaped their journey.
After years researching and writing about South America’s heritage grapes, I’m publishing a new book dedicated to the Criolla family — the first vines brought to the Americas, and the quiet revolution that’s bringing them back into the spotlight.
It’s small in size, but big in story. And now you can be one of the first to get your hands on a copy by supporting the pre-sale.
Why Criolla?
Because these were the first grape varieties of the Americas. Not only did they give birth to the wine industries in North and South America, but also to a native family of Criolla grape varieties. For centuries, Criolla shaped the daily wines of South America, and today they still make up a huge part of the continent’s vineyards. Yet their story has remained largely untold… until now.
Why Now?
Because the old vines of Criolla are quickly disappearing and being uprooted in Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia. Without renewed attention and value, we risk losing not just these ancient vines and livelihoods of their growers, but a vital piece of South America’s cultural and genetic wine heritage. This book is a call to remember and rediscover these varieties before it is too late.
Why Me?
I’ve spent the past 15 years exploring South America’s vineyards. As author of The South America Wine Guide, I’ve long been drawn to the region’s diversity — especially in the humble, hardy Criolla grapes. I even wrote my MW thesis on them. This book brings together years of research, visits, and conversations to tell the story of South America’s native varieties.
Be Part of the Criolla Revival
Pre-ordering now directly supports the final development and helps cover the printing costs.
Pre-Order the First Edition £35
Be the first to receive the book when it is printed. Help support the final stages of this publishing journey and have your name printed in the acknowledgements in the book. Shipping available worldwide, to be paid separately. Estimated delivery October 2026.
Donate - whatever you can or want to
Support the development and printing of the book with a donation of your choice. This can be anonymous or with your acknowledgement printed in the book. If you are pledging over £35 and would like a copy of the book as well, please email me directly: info @ amandabarnes. co. uk
Common Questions
I am aiming for delivery for October 2026, if not sooner. It depends on the design and publishing process, but this isn’t my first rodeo and hopefully it is a lesser undertaking than The South America Wine Guide (click here if you don’t have a copy yet!)
This is a pre-order to support the book’s final stages — including editing, design, and printing. You’ll be the first to receive a copy once it’s complete!
We can ship worldwide, and shipping costs will be calculated closer to the due date and need to be paid separately. Books will be shipping from the UK.
My Little Book of Criollas is a beautifully illustrated, story-driven guide to South America’s native grape varieties — exploring their history, cultural roots, and modern revival. It’s a small-format book packed with stories, producer insights, and grape profiles.
Yes — the pre-sale on this site runs alongside the Kickstarter campaign, so you can choose the platform that suits you best.
Yes! Everyone who purchases a pre-sale copy before 1 October 2025 will be included in the acknowledgments as a thank-you. (Unless you choose to remain anonymous.)
I hope so… This is part of the reason I am doing a pre-sale and Kickstarter. If I can secure enough funding before, I can hopefully translate, re-design and print in Spanish. And maybe Portuguese…
Need more information or want to support in another way?
If you have any other questions not covered here, or want to support in another way, I would love to hear from you.
