The IWFS Global Grapevine February 2024

Message from the President Chris Bonsall

With the arrival of the new year there are, as always, some truly exciting events for members to look forward to around the world culminating in the much-postponed IWFS Triennial Festival in Hong Kong. The core of the Society, however, is its branches, and I am sure branch leaders everywhere are working hard to ensure their members have much to enjoy. Happy days, good cheer and, of course, new active members are what we are all seeking this year.

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Message from the Global Chairman Mike Donohoe

Here we find ourselves, entering 2024, and just like the groundhog, we are taking a peek. But unlike the groundhog who has seen his shadow, we can't retreat into our comfy burrow, and wait for a better time to emerge. It is time to dust ourselves off and engage whatever the new year has on offer.

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Our Festivals

11-24 November 2023

African Adventure, Africa (Europe Africa)

What an adventure it was - by road (visiting the Cape Winelands), by rail (travelling from Pretoria to Victoria Falls) and by river (cruising along the Zambezi)! It began with a warm welcome from the Cape Town branch and an exciting food and wine matching dinner at the Foodbarn in Noorhhoek. Members then took to the Cape Winelands by road including Walker Bay, producing stunning white wines and tasted top wines from Paul Cluver at Elgin, then Burgundian style wines in the Hemel en Aarde valley at Bouchard Findlayson and Criterion accompanied by their Serendipity lunch.

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Branch News

Welcome Florida Keys (Americas)

This branch was born out of the love of Florida Keys by founders Ron and Denise Guntert (members of the Society for 20 years) so they could continue to enjoy the IWFS experience while in their second home in Florida. It became a reality with the advice of John Trickett, a member of the Branch Development committee and they have 29 members. The branch opened with a memorable WSET blind varietal wine tasting, under the expert guidance of cellar master Gavin Mead, with gourmet appetizers. Congratulations to all and may the branch go from strength to strength.
Click here for images from the branch opening

New For Members

It's time for tea

This year's monograph focusses on a non-alcoholic beverage which is a first for us - tea. But with the increasing interest in no and low-alcohol drinks we thought it was time to delve into this world. Tea has many similarities to wine, so it seemed a natural first choice - the tea plant takes 3-4 years to be productive, natural yeasts play a part in the production process as does the careful cellaring for some styles. There is so much more to discover and we hope you enjoy the read.
Click here to read more

Does South America have any 'grand crus'?

Tune into our latest André Simon Lecture with Amanda Barnes and you will find out more. Amanda is an award-winning writer and broadcaster, originally from the UK, based in Argentina who tirelessly travels around the leading wine producing regions of Chile, Argentina and Uruguay and touching on Bolivia and Peru. She has met the producers and tasted their wines over a number of years and she now feels the time is to delve into which regions are showing grand cru promise. Well worth a watch and only 45 minutes long - time to enjoy a glass of South American wine too.
Click here to view

In the news on Sid's Blog

This is one of the most recent questions on Sid's Blog which highlights the affects the extreme weather conditions are having on some of our cherished wine regions.

Question: I hear many Okanagan wineries in British Columbia have experienced severe weather problems affecting their vines. Would you kindly update us?
Click here for Sid's answer

Insurance News

Although not at the forefront of your mind when joining Society or branch events, insurance is a valuable and important benefit that is provided as part of your membership fee. Please note that the latest 2024 documents are now available for you to view via your zone pages, or the Secretariat pages of the website. The documents available to download, and where applicable related to your region, are:

• Insurance Manual
• Guidance Relating to the Service of Alcohol
• Insurance Certificate Application Form

Zone News

We welcome the latest news from our Zone Chairmen, Chris Anker (Americas), Michael Tamburri (Asia Pacific) and John Nicholas (Europe Africa).

Americas Chris Ankner

As I write, we are very busy planning ahead - the final touches are being made to our Great Weekend in New Orleans in March; then we are heading to the Rhine in August. In the interim in the Americas we are focussing on contacting our branches and letting them know what we are doing for them and what they want from us. It is great to talk. Our raison d'être is our branches. I see nothing but positives in the future.

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Asia Pacific Michael Tamburri

It's exciting to see that most of our APZ branches have recommenced their activities, and I'm pleased with the number of events that have celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Society. For the branches that haven't had the opportunity to celebrate this occasion, André Simon founded the Society on 20 October 1933 and you still have until October 2024 to celebrate this special occasion with your fellow branch members.

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Europe Africa John Nicholas

As around much of the world (see Sid's Blog), Europe has had a winter of strange weather patterns recently - all very challenging for the wine producers who are now reviewing the grapes they are planting in order to combat these unusual conditions. Away from the vineyards Europe Africa are focussing on creating a social media platform to spread the word about our Society, recording a video on Pinot Noir and also once again running a competition for our local catering colleges. Much is happening.

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Upcoming Festivals

Americas · Asia Pacific · Europe Africa

These events really do provide IWFS members with an exclusive food and wine experience around the world - take a look at our list of festivals available to IWFS members:

14-16 March 2024

New Orleans, USA (Americas)

It's set to be a 'Great Wine Weekend' - become immersed in the world of jazz, delicious cuisine and stunning architecture of the French Quarter. Discover wines to match with Cajun and Creole cuisine too. Taking place very soon, contact us to see if you can be with us and join a weekend of fine wine and food in this most vibrant of cities.  Click here to find out more.

28 May - 1 June 2024

Loire Valley, France (Europe Africa)

Join members around the world for the opportunity to discover this region with its chateaux, fine cuisine and different wines produced along the longest river in France from the Atlantic coast through Touraine to central France. This festival is fully booked but has a waitlist which you may still join.
Click here to see the programme.

19-26 August 2024

Switzerland & Amsterdam (Americas)

Swiss Alps, Rhine Castles and Wine Cruise: A truly magical event is in the planning with a cruise along the Rhine with AmaWaterways while enjoying an exclusive food and wine experience tailored for IWFS members. Enjoy private winery tours from the foothills of the Swiss Alps to the canals of Amsterdam.  Click here to view details.

13-15 September 2024

West Yorkshire, Leeds & Harewood House, UK (Europe Africa)

Join us for a truly English experience and one of contrasts. You will meet in Bardsey Village Hall for the Europe Africa AGM and Members' Forum discussions with events celebrating Yorkshire Food and an extended visit to Harewood House (home of a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II). Details to follow and registration in April.

15-17 November 2024

Hong Kong (Asia Pacific)

If you are looking for an energetic and exciting festival programme then Hong Kong will not disappoint with its host of high profile venues. A post-tour to Macau (17-19 November) is also planned. Bookings now being taken, last few places left. , including a visit to its UNESCO historic centre. Watch out for further news. Click here to view details.

If you are interested in joining an event that is full, or reservations closed, then please contact the organiser in case space is available.