New For Members
2026 Monograph
‘Grape varieties, the future’ by Dr Jose Vouillamoz (co-author of award-winning Wine Grapes). This title will look at the effect of climate change on viticulture, which grape varieties producers may now look to plant. Will it be old indigenous or non-indigenous varieties or could crossings be the future? There is also the option of resistant hybrids or maybe creating new clones. Watch out for your copy in October.
This is such a ‘hot’ topic and we are pleased to have secured Dr José Vouillamoz to write this for us. He is an independent wine expert, wine writer, wine educator and lecturer. José is recognised as one of the world’s leading authorities on the origin and parentage of grape varieties. He also co-authored the multi-award wine book Wine Grapes with Masters of Wine Jancis Robinson and Julia Harding - the ultimate reference on all the grape varieties that are cultivated in the world and one you may already have.
‘Hi’ and ‘Bye’ from our HQ in London
It was nice to say a quick ‘hi’ to Branch President of the Kuala Lumpur branch Ajeet Ahluwalia who dropped by to collect some IWFS merchandise, while he was in town. He was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the accommodation that the In & Out Club offers. We look forward to welcoming you back Ajeet, and of course other visiting members.
It is a ‘bye’ Franco Baroni who has been a very longstanding customer for our Vintage Cards with his collection beginning back in 1967 when he was posted to London as the Italian Naval Assistant Attachè at their Embassy. At 95 he has advised that his taste for wine has somewhat diminished. He thanks the IWFS as he was also a member from 1994-1997 during which time the IWFS helped him to understand wines of all countries particularly French, German and America. We thank Franco for his loyalty all these years. Saluti Franco.
Judgement of Paris – the Society celebrates
The IWFS is celebrating this event that changed the wine world forever with various wine events in countries across five continents – UK, Americas, Australia, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Philippines and South Africa. 50 years ago, 20 wines were tasted blind – 10 reds (4 from Bordeaux and 6 from California) and 10 whites (4 from Burgundy and 6 from California). California came out on top and changed the wine world forever. This time new wines will be tasted blind, who will be victorious? Let's make the IWFS voice heard. It is your, the peoples, vote. For branches holding their event before 23 May, the rankings will be announced on May 24, 2026. Post May events will be part of a follow-up announcement - keeping the celebration in the news.
Contact your region to find out how your branch could be involved (the Americas are currently researching a package for their members and more information will be forthcoming once agreed). Americas, Europe Africa, Asia Pacific.
To help promote your event
Blind tasting kits
Enhance your blind tasting event with these branded bags (1-10). Extra bottle bags 11&12 are also on order. Free to branches arranging a Judgement+50 event. Email sec@iwfs.org with date and venue for your event, to receive your free kit.
Event logo – promote your event with this attractive logo.
Click here or on the picture below to download full size logo:
Judgement of Paris – enhance your library with 2 titles
To complement our Judgement+50 celebratory events Académie du Vin Library, publisher of beautiful, descriptive wine titles
are kindly offering IWFS members a discount on two of their titles related to this tasting.
Steven Spurrier, A Life In Wine
This is Steven’s memoirs. Steven enjoyed life as an Englishman in Paris. There he successfully sold wine to the French and was also instrumental in the JoP tasting back in1976 of which the subsequent highs and lows make this a fun and fascinating read. He was also the founder of Academie du Vin wine schools in Paris and ambassador, commentator, author and critic with Decanter magazine, and latterly launched Cuvée Bella, English sparkling wine from Bride Valley Vineyard.
Cover price £35/$47.50 Discount code IWFS10 and price to members £31.50/$42.75
The Judgement of Paris – for release on 1 May 2026
This is the 50th anniversary edition of this event that shocked the wine world. ‘A young Englishman (Steven Spurrier) and an American journalist (Patricia Gallagher) decide that California’s emerging wine stars should ve better known in France.’ Read about the journey of the winning wine, profiles and tasting notes of the competing wines plus seven other events that shook the wine world and more….. Presented as a beautiful, cloth-bound commemorative edition with rare archive photography and colour images.
Cover price £70/$90 Discount code IWFS10 and price to members £63/$81
Ask Sid – Judgement of Paris
For this issue we asked Sid for his thoughts on this momentous event. With the Society’s upcoming Judgement+50 blind tastings taking place in May and June, as well as many events by others outside the Society, in celebration of this momentous tasting 50 years ago, Sid gives us a rather pragmatic view. He felt that the recognition California received was well overdue and just a matter of time before the exceptional quality of California’s came to the fore.