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Wine & Dine on the Rhine Written by Tom Murnan. Photos by Tom Murnan To view additional photos by Wayne Markus, click here. This was indeed a wine and food trip of a lifetime, with the added attraction of having a floating hotel that moved from Basel Swit…

Written by Tom Murnan, Council Bluffs and Omaha Branches Photos by Tom Murnan CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL PHOTO GALLERY CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FESTIVAL BROCHURE It was hard for me to believe that our Bordeaux Festival was actually going to happen. Organiz…

Written by Tom Murnan, Council Bluffs and Omaha Branches Photos by Tom Murnan It was hard for me to believe that our Bordeaux Festival was actually going to happen. Organizer Steve Greenwald started preparing in 2017, but the original May 2020 date was po…

By: Scott A. Bailey, I.M. © Foreword: Prior to traveling, I engaged in pre-requisite wine reading for familiarization with the Eastern European grapes, which were largely unknown to me. Jancis Robinson’s & Hugh Johnson’s World Atlas of Wine, 6th edit…

Vintage Card Consultants The IWFS is very fortunate to have a team of specialist consultants based around the world who each year provide a review of the latest vintage and also update the development of recent vintages. Many of them have been doing this …

Napa, California Festival 2025 Written by Tom Murnan, Omaha & Omaha Metro Branches Photos by Tom Murnan For additional photos, click here. I hadn’t been to Napa Valley for about 10 years, so when the IWFS Americas, Inc. hosted an event there, I thought …

Etna, Sicily’s Rising Starby Richard Baudains Introduction Sicily is a major force in the current Italian wine scene. It has enormous natural resources and an industry which is dynamic, outward looking and reactive. If in the 1990s it was the introducti…

Below are two exciting initiatives being undertaken by our regions and could be adopted by other branches or regions to further enhance their profile and potentially increase membership. Please read on and if you would like to find out more please email s…

Message from the President Chris Bonsall What joy. This fine sunny morning brought 53 cases of vintage wine from the wine regions of France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Portugal to my home in Australia, having been shipped several months ago from the UK. It…

Overview Nestled in the heart of the Florida Keys, a vibrant community of food and wine enthusiasts has been celebrating the finer things in life since the Florida Keys Wine & Food Society was established in January 2024. Founded by a group of passionate …

We welcome the latest news from our Zone Chairmen, Chris Ankner (Americas), Michael Tamburri (Asia Pacific) and John Nicholas (Europe Africa). AMERICAS - Chris Ankner Good morning. I’m writing this in the middle of February, as Team Schurhammer are putt…

2024 Past events Meeting 474 Friday 13th December Preet Sahota, Edgmund Wines New and premium wines from SouthAfrica This was a tasting of wines from South Africa, presented by Preet Sahota of Edgmund Wines, who is new to our branch. He came with good ref…

We welcome the latest news from our Zone Chairmen, Michael Tamburri (Asia Pacific), John Nicholas (Europe Africa) and also recently appointed Chairman of the Americas – Chris Ankner. Over to you Chris first of all… AMERICAS - Chris Ankner Hi. Last Sep…

Chicago, USA 6-9 September 2023 What a wine and food extravaganza! This festival was a French Wine Experience to really savour set in the beautiful and historic city of Chicago. Members were treated to a spectacular tasting of Mature Wines (one dating bac…

2023 Past Events Meeting 464 8th December 2023 Wines from the Chairman's Cellar Presenter: Colin Mair Our Branch has in previous years visited a restaurant for the December event. This year the committee decided that Christmas fare at restaurants was not …

Singapore Festival 16–18 September 2022 So wonderful – the APZ was finally able to gather for the Singapore Festival - over 3 days, old friends reunited and new friends were made. From local street eats to fine Indian cuisine at the legendary Raffles …

Photo of Torquay by Chris Boland Honorary President's Message Chris Bonsall If we were to have looked during the Covid years at our Society through a kaleidoscope, we would first have seen fragments of glass stubbornly refusing to connect into any semblan…

The program has not been finalised yet, but the following are some of the intended highlights: 5 dinners and 3 lunches, including an opening reception and dinner on Tuesday 6 May and a closing one on Saturday 10 May; there will be a free morning and no lu…

20 – 23 SEPTEMBER 2016 This is your opportunity to participate in a three night Wine and Food Festival in Edinburgh, the inspiring political and cultural capital of Scotland, where centuries of history meet a vibrant, cosmopolitan city in an unforgettab…

Contact Us Welcome to the Herefordshire & Monmouthshire Branch enquiry page. Please ask any question or feel free to comment and we will be happy to get in touch. You can reach us by email using the form below or by calling 01446 760260. We arrange around…

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SONOMA FESTIVAL PHOTO GALLERY Submitted by Gary and Connie Martin, Omaha/Council Bluffs IWFS members Sonoma was a dream location to host the IWFS 2017 Sonoma Festival with its proximity to the San Francisco, miles of rugged Pacific …

Kyoto Post Tour Programme Sunday 13 November LUGGAGE DROP OFF PRIOR TO 7.00pm Luggage drop off - CONTACT BELL DESK, TOKYO OKURA TO ARRANGE PICK UP For those going on to Kyoto, we request that everyone contact the bell desk to collect your luggage for deli…

Please see below the monographs published by the IWFS. These handy, almost pocket sized, booklets have been authored by recognised specialists in their area and the aim is for them to provide an informed insight into a wine or food related topic. Their pr…

Part II: Island Traditionalists and a Mainland Maverick Wines of DalmatiaBy Penny Mincho The world’s largest yacht, the Eclipse, lies at anchor off shore while Tom Cruise and his entourage push their way through the crush of tourists. Nearby, patrons in…

by Tom Murnan (Council Bluffs & Omaha Branches) I was dimly aware of the name Auguste Escoffier just a few months ago, but if I had been asked to give any kind of summary of his life or importance, I would have been unable to do so, other to say he was an…

Puerto Vallarta adventure recalled By Bill Sherman, Physicians of Los Angeles (Reprinted from Wine, Food & Friends, Issue #108) Puerto Vallarta over the past five decades has evolved to become not only a prosperous, mid-sized city, but also one of Mexico?…

Latest IWFS Publication 2024 ‘The World of Tea’ by Will Battle (2024) We are talking tea….. The International Wine & Food Society are pleased to announce the release of their 2024 monograph ‘The World of Tea’ by Will Battle. As Will is an all-ro…

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Where to Prospect for Members? 2. Aging Wines or Aging Members? 3. Closing the Deal 4. More Help Recruiting? Go Straight to Your IWFS Americas Inc.! 5. A Word of Caution 6. Need to Excite Your Members? Variety is the Spice of Life!! 7…

- to coincide with the Wakefield Rhubarb Festival Tuesday 18th February - Friday 21st February 2014 Yorkshire in February might seem to be an unlikely choice, but this event is going to be something really special, arranged as it is to coincide with Wakef…

STOP PRESS We very much regret to report that the cheese tasting lunch has had to be cancelled. All the other events will be taking place as planned. Say Cheese! - In rural Oxfordshire 5-6th June 2014 With a wine-tasting dinner, and a private tour of a Ja…

- A Short break in the French Alps 6-10th July 2015 The Savoie has a long and interesting history. The Duchy of Savoy, as it used to be known, occupied a strategic position on the main route between France and Italy, and the Dukes of Savoy were important …

The Annual Branch Representatives Meeting (ABRM) this year will be held on 5th June, 10.30 am for 11.00 am, at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Stratford upon Avon. This is the annual opportunity for Branch Chairmen and Representatives to meet members of the EA…

Sunday 15th - Wednesday 18th May 2016 DRESS CODE: Smart Casual (Jacket & Tie for the gentlemen in the evenings, please.) For our Regional "Great Weekend" in 2016 Val Brookfield-Bishop has arranged a visit to North Wales. Val is well-known to many IWFS mem…

Overview We are a local group of wine & food enthusiasts who live in the greater Bucks County area in Pennsylvania an hour north of Philadelphia. We meet to enjoy fine wine & food in an atmosphere of conviviality, gentile companionship, personal enrichmen…

The Liverpool Branch The Liverpool Branch endeavour to meet every two months. The theme is "food and wine pairing". The objective is "exploring, experimenting, discovering, learning and sharing our experience". Other activities include supporting catering…

Overview IWFS Cebu (Philippines) The Cebu Branch of the International Wine and Food Society was established on September 5 2008. It is composed of a small but funloving group of businessmen and women who are serious wine and foodies. "We are not intereste…

Visiting the area The Bath and Bristol area has so many wondeful attractions that it is difficult to select what to mention so this article just covers some of the more unusual ones. If you are in the area in August then don't miss the Bristol Balloon fie…

Branch Tours and Holidays Each year the branch organises either a weekend visit to interesting areas of the UK or an overseas tour. The Nare Hotel (Nov 2014) This branch organised holiday included four nights of old-fashioned luxury in one of the finest h…

Overview The Houston branch of the IW&FS was organized in 1964, through the vision of 20 local wine and food lovers. An official charter was granted by André Simon in January 1965. Today, there are 125 active and loyal members who enjoy a monthly wine an…

Austin Chapter IW&FS Members Pick their Favorite Restaurants This is a treasure trove of valuable information about our favorite restaurants, places we’ve dined at as a group, and restaurants that may let you bring your own wine. It is designed to be us…

Cellar master's page - Watch this space for information on recent cellar acquisitions - Beginning my second year as cellar master I think that our branch has some pretty decent wines. My predecessor, Sleiman Zairoubi, was able to render years of “little…

Overview Our Branch is one of over 70 in the Americas and 1 of 7 in Canada formed in 1971, but not all Branches are alike. Each maintains its own traditions and character. However, universal goals of the Branches include: Enjoying gourmet meals and fine w…

Overview Welcome to the Oklahoma Central Branch of the International Wine & Food Society! As part of the world’s oldest and largest gastronomic society for over thirty forty years, we continue to host numerous food and wine events in both Oklahoma City …

History of the Boston Branch History of the Boston Branch André Simon established the International Wine & Food Society in London, during 1933, the year which also marked the end of Prohibition in the United States. Simon’s new International organizati…

Overview of the Wine and Food Society of Baltimore The Wine and Food Society of Baltimore, Maryland was founded in 1947, and since then has been a social club focused on the enjoyment of fine wine and gourmet food with good friends. We are one of more tha…

Overview We have a new branch name. We are now the Omaha Metro Branch! This site is a service for you and the other members of our branch. It is also a site that you can send any friends who think they might be interested in joining to learn more about us…

Overview The Palm Beach branch is an active branch, with multiple events each season, starting in the fall. Our events include dinners, our "season starting" holiday gala and extravaganza, lunches and tastings. We are one of over 70 Branches in the Americ…

Overview The Naples Branch of The International Wine & Food Society is entering its 26th year of existence, having been founded as the first new Branch of the 21st Century, We are one of the more active branches in the Americas and one of the larger branc…

The IWFS Wine Company BACKGROUND The IWFS Wine Company was registered on 3 January 2002 in the Cayman Islands. It is financed by redeemable shares issued to the Branch members. Generally, members are invited to subscribe for shares after being a member of…

Overview Experience wine and food in ways you couldn’t do by yourself, with a friendly and welcoming group of like-minded enthusiasts! Our unique and exciting events are fun and (very gently) educational, focusing on Experiencing great wine and food Vis…

Past Events Manchester Wine Tour 16th Jul 2025 Different. Interesting and informative. Fun. Leaving the magnificent Mahatma Ghandi statue behind us members of Manchester Branch were led (at speed to begin with!) across the River Irwell to the first of fou…

Overview We are delighted that you have visited one of the largest and most active Branches in the IWFS world. The Marin Branch is in its fourth decade and proudly moves forward carrying on the ideals of IWFS founder André Simon, and our branch founders …

IWFS of Phoenix 2014 FACTS Frequently Asked Questions of the IWFS of Phoenix What is the Mission of the International Wine and Food Society? Our Mission today is to be the international, independent organization of choice for: sharing, improving and disse…

Overview Founded in 1962, the Phoenix Chapter is a branch of the International Wine and Food Society initialed in 1933, in London, England. The International Wine & Food Society (IW&FS) is the world’s oldest and most renowned gastronomic society, with m…

By Tom Murnan Council Bluffs & Omaha Branches Agoston Haraszthy was a fascinating individual who contributed greatly to the development of wine in the United States. He was a restless, energetic optimist, a self promoter whose ambitious ideas and actions …

Welcome to all International Wine & Food Society participants of the 2016 Kyoto Post Tour. Let me tell you - you're in for a treat!! We have compiled some information regarding travel to Japan, weather in Japan in November as well as some updated details …

Welcome to all International Wine & Food Society participants of the 2016 Tokyo and Kyoto Festival. We have compiled some information regarding travel to Japan, weather in Japan in November as well as some updated details on the Kyoto post tour. Please cl…

IWFS EUROPE AFRICA LIMITED(A Company Limited by Guarantee Number 9092937)Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of IWFS EUROPE AFRICA LIMITED will be held remotely by Zoom on Sunday 20th September 2020 at 11 a.m. for the following purposes…

FULL CRITERIA FOR GIVING AWARDS CAN BE FOUND BY CLICKING HERE All of us on the Awards Committee are aware that there are many directors, officers and members who volunteer to make their branches successful. The only reward they get is an occasional “Tha…

How to Find Your Way Around the IWFS Web Site The new site offers, in the first instance, much the same facilities as the previous one, but it looks different and works better on tablets and mobile phones. In particular the Branches menu in the top left h…

From left to right: Joe Garrigo, BGA Governor, John Kuczwanski, BGA Governor,Amanda Bates, Recipient, Nicole Linares, Recipient, John Sullivan, IW&FS Miami Branch PresidentChef Instructor Judith Williams, Mike Hampton, Dean Chaplin School of Hospitality &…

From left to right: Joe Garrigo, BGA Governor, John Kuczwanski, BGA Governor,Amanda Bates, Recipient, Nicole Linares, Recipient, John Sullivan, IW&FS Miami Branch PresidentChef Instructor Judith Williams, Mike Hampton, Dean Chaplin School of Hospitality &…

From left to right: Joe Garrigo, BGA Governor, John Kuczwanski, BGA Governor,Amanda Bates, Recipient, Nicole Linares, Recipient, John Sullivan, IW&FS Miami Branch PresidentChef Instructor Judith Williams, Mike Hampton, Dean Chaplin School of Hospitality &…

From left to right: Joe Garrigo, BGA Governor, John Kuczwanski, BGA Governor,Amanda Bates, Recipient, Nicole Linares, Recipient, John Sullivan, IW&FS Miami Branch PresidentChef Instructor Judith Williams, Mike Hampton, Dean Chaplin School of Hospitality &…

In 2008, the world’s oldest and most renowned gastronomic society, The International Wine & Food Society, celebrates its 75th anniversary. In 1933, André L. Simon, CBE, Legion d’Honneur, and renowned bibliophile, gourmet, wine connoisseur, historian …

By Simon Field –MW, Blackpool & Fylde Coast (Originally appeared in Wine, Food & Friends, Issue #92, Winter 2009) Champagne is a delightful enigma; seen by some as a stand-alone category which bears scant re semblance to the rest of the wine trade. It i…

By Vicki and Joe Garrigo Little Havana Dominos Park Americans of Cuban origin or ancestry are less than 1 percent (0.57 percent) of the U.S. population. They have adapted admirably to the United States and their success has allowed them to establish a kin…

By Alfred Wirth - Toronto Branch (Originally appeared in Wine, Food & Friends, Issue #72, Winter 2004) There are three aspects to a wine cellar: Why do it, how to build it and filling it. It isn’t as intimidating as you may think. Most wines, and nearly…

By Louis Vogel - Montreal Branch (Originally appeared in Wine, Food & Friends, Issue #82, Summer 2007) Santa Barbara County is unique in North America in that the mountains run west to east, rather than north to south. This permits the cooling breezes fro…

By Maggie and Larry Burr - Vancouver (Originally appeared in Wine, Food & Friends, Issue #95, Fall 2010) Until the 1970’s, Vancouver’s dining scene was undistinguished. We had a few fine dining restaurants–think anniversaries, big dates–mostly Fre…

By John Danza - Chicago (Originally appeared in Wine, Food & Friends Issue #101, Spring 2012) When Charles Dickens died prematurely in 1870 at the age of 58, he was an icon of English literature. From humble beginnings and somewhat questionable financial …

(Originally appeared in Wine, Food & Friends, Issue # 102, Summer 2012) The Dowager Lady Swaythling OBE (1879-1965) was a key member of André Simon’s inner circle and played an important role in the founding of The International Wine & Food Society. Si…

By Jack Rubyn – Marin County (Originally appeared in Wine, Food & Friends Issue #67, Fall 2003)Defining our expectations and communicating our desires are key elements to partaking in a satisfying dining experience. We all want a great meal with attract…

By Bernard Lamb – London (Originally appeared in Wine, Food & Friends, Issue #96, Winter 2010) On the 10th June, the London Branch met at The Naval Club to taste 12 wines from Virginia, presented by Chris Parker. He is the founder and managing director …

By James Gabler – Baltimore and Palm Beach (Originally appeared in Wine, Food & Friends Issue # 82, Summer 2007) Although born on the Virginia frontier, Thomas Jefferson became the most knowledgeable wine connoisseur of his age, and his tastes in wine c…

Zürich Delights ………Focus on Switzerland Toby Muller, Oklahoma Central Grüezi! With this hearty greeting, members of the Zürich Branch welcomed attendees from all over the world to the Zürich Great Weekend June 8-10, 2012. The hosts assembled a w…

Since you’re reading this page, the search has already begun with you! How many times have you thought “We should do this more often” after a great meal with friends? They’ve probably felt the same, so begin by talking to friends or colleagues who…

Dear Prospective Wine and Food Member, If you ask any member of The International Wine & Food Society what that membership means, I am confident their answer would include warm friendships, wide-ranging travel, incredible food adventures, exquisite wine t…

While the main purpose of the IW&FS is “the right understanding and enjoyment of fine wine and food,” camaraderie among our members is one of the most important reasons for our existence. One of the benefits we offer is the ability to participate in i…

Each branch of the IW&FS is unique and collectively brings to our Society the best of traditions with the common thread which ties us together: the melding of the pleasure of the company of our members, who enjoy beautifully prepared food, matched with in…

By Stephen Hipple (Omaha, Greater Omaha, Council Bluffs) (Scroll down to see menu samples and the wines served.) Members of our society experienced another exciting adventure, this time cruising the Mediterranean. The cruise was organized by BGA Governor …

By Janet Barton, Victoria, Australia Eighteen people from the Asia Pacific Zone travelled to Liverpool for the Festival. Branches represented were Auckland, New Zealand, Kuala Lumpur, Philippines, New South Wales and 8 from the Victoria Branch, Australia.…

By Michael Messent, Wessex, UK The Festival was a triumph. No doubt about that. There was a capacity attendance and a broad programme, including a good range of venues, lectures, great food and fine wines, in fact everything that any attendee could hope f…

By Kay Botko, Minniapolis/St. Paul and Naples In my Liverpool home; in my Liverpool home! We speak with an accent exceedingly rare; Meet under a statue exceedingly bare. If you want a Cathedral, we’ve got one to spare! In my Liverpool home! This is just…

While the benefit of sharing a passion for wine and food with other like-minded people is obvious, there are many other tangible benefits of being a member of the Society. As a member of the IWFS you can benefit from the following: You have the opportunit…

A J A Symons - The Society's Other Founder If you were asked to name the founder of the International Wine & Food Society, you would probably answer without hesitation that it was André Simon, whose memory still dominates the organization 34 years after …

BRANCH RESOURCE MANUAL CHAPTER 12 E-Communications Committee The purpose of the E-Communications Committee is to promote the use of electronic communications as a tool to enhance the functioning of The IW&FS, further its goals, and ultimately facilitate t…

BRANCH RESOURCE MANUAL CHAPTER 6 Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized. André Simon. Be sure to see sample guidelines and other useful forms at the end of this chapter. The Basics To remain in good standing…

BRANCH RESOURCE MANUAL CHAPTER 5 A man dies too young if he leaves any wine in his cellar. André Simon. The Basics Many Branches maintain their own wine cellars. Preferably, the decision whether to do so or not should be made at the time of the establish…

BRANCH RESOURCE MANUAL CHAPTER 3 Be sure to see sample letters and other useful templates at the end of this chapter. Selecting & Inviting New Members The founders of our Branches obviously shared a common goal in the gastronomic endeavor, specifying the …

THE INTERNATIONAL WINE & FOOD SOCIETY IWFS Americas Inc. Board of Directors of the Americas (BDA) Awards Committee AWARD CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES The Board of Directors of the Americas (hereafter referred as “BDA”) of IWFS Americas Inc. (hereafter refe…

BRANCH RESOURCE MANUAL CHAPTER 11 My ambition had long been to provide in a more attractive form, both in the literary and typographical sense, as a…quarterly, the kind of information that would increase the number of potential wine-lovers and their int…

Event Ideas - How to Submit Branches and individual members are encouraged to submit articles and information of general interest in the fields of wine, food, travel and camaraderie to the Publisher of Wine, Food & Friends (WF&F) for consideration for pub…

The Americas Region of the International Wine & Food Society (IW&FS) is made up of more than 75 branches and 4200 members. Although joined by a shared appreciation of all things "wine & food" which fully enlists them as an IW&FS member branch, the branche…

THE SOCIETY’S OTHER FOUNDER by Philip Clark, Executive Director If you were asked to name the founder of the International Wine & Food Society, you would probably answer without hesitation that it was André Simon, whose memory still dominates the organ…

The International Wine & Food Society produces a number of publications to further the knowledge of its members on various aspects of the world of food and wine. Some of these are available for non-members to read or purchase which are detailed below: The…

Information on Membership The International Wine and Food Society is a confederation of branches, organised into three Regions. Each branch operates under its own constitution, approved by its members and its Regional committee, and is focused on the visi…

The International Wine and Food Society is a confederation of branches, organised into three Regions or Zones. Each Zone is headed up by a Limited Company to which members in that zone sign up and pay annual subscriptions. Each branch operates under its o…

Do you enjoy good food and good wine? Do you love to relax with friends over a special meal? Are you passionate about the provenance of your food? Do you want to learn more about wine? Is experiencing the best in local food and wine an important part of y…

How do you describe on organization like ours? We have a few ideas. Approachable. While we don’t regularly communicate via text messages, Twitter, or FaceTime, we think sitting across a dinner table from friends who share a common interest in wine, food…