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Member's Responsibility Member’s Responsibility As members of the IWFS Toronto you have certain responsibilities that come with membership governed by the following principles: Members and their guests are responsible for their own safety with respect t…

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 ind…

Past Events 2026 Events March 19, 2026 Evening in France Dinner and Wine Pairing at Atelier by Radex February 19, 2026 Wine and small bite food paring with blind tasting at MSU School of Hospitality – Sensory Analysis Lab January 18-19, 2026 5th Anniver…

Menus: 1992-1993 1992-1993 584th Dinner - Swissotel 585th Dinner - Glen View Club 582nd Dinner - Carlos 583rd Dinner - Four Seasons Hotel 580th Dinner - Charlie Trotter's 581st Dinner - Jackie's 578th Dinner - Everest 579th Dinner - Racquet Club 576th Din…

News News 2025/12/09 The Best Bubbly A BBC News item shows the British are beating the French at their own game and making the Best Bubbly... Read more NewsWine 2025/09/04 Bordeaux's Fine Wines Experts Favourite One perfect 100 point score from the Decant…

Sparkling Wine Podcast - Listen Now The IWFS sponsored episode of the award winning and highly successful Wine Blast podcast featuring Susie Barrie and Peter Richards, is now available, so tune in now. This recording titled Top of the Pops: Classic Fizz B…

Message from the President Chris Bonsall What a year we have had at the IWFS. Wonderful Festivals in Napa, Rioja and Malaysia, the launch of the new Ask André A1-powered pairing tool for perfect wine and food matches, our latest Vintage Card, a new World…

We welcome the latest news from our Chairs from the regions, Chris Ankner (Americas), Michael Tamburri (Asia Pacific) and John Nicholas (Europe Africa). AMERICAS - Chris Ankner The Americas just completed a highly successful Festival in Napa Valley. It wa…

Officers 2025-2026 YMC Senior Council Gunnar Pritsch Cathleen Burke Visscher Alan Frishman Lily Frishman Gunnar serves as the Events Chair for the NY Wine & Food Society and lends his expertise and experience to support the YMC in executing events in the …

Overview Established in 2024, the Young Members Circle (YMC) is a chapter of the International Wine & Food Society (IWFS), created to cultivate the next generation of wine enthusiasts. Based in NYC, the YMC launched last September with a landmark event at…

Future Events 2026 Calendar UPCOMING EVENTS – Denver Events and dates are tentative and may change. Odd months include a dinner with pairing and even months have other social events or wine tastings. April 9, 2026 Wine Tasting at the The Legacy Club at …

Vintage Reports – the latest vintage reports, for the 2023 and 2024 vintages, to accompany the 2025 Vintage Card are now available to read here. You can read and digest at your leisure. The reports have once again been kindly provided freely by our trea…

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…

EUROPE, RHINE VALLEY August 19-26 2024 What a trip! That’s what 107 lucky IWFS members from around the world must be thinking, if not saying, about the Americas Rhine River Cruise this summer. The trip was deftly organised by Charles Schurhammer and beg…

We welcome the latest news from our Chairs from the regions, Chris Ankner (Americas), Michael Tamburri (Asia Pacific) and John Nicholas (Europe Africa). AMERICAS - Chris Ankner It was a surprisingly active summer for the Americas. I’d like to give a hea…

Message from the President Chris Bonsall In the manifesto of the Labour Party's campaign for power in the United Kingdom in 1997 its leader, Tony Blair, outlined his priorities for office as "Education, education, education". Perhaps we, in The Internatio…

We welcome the latest news from our Zone Chairmen, Chris Ankner (Americas), Michael Tamburri (Asia Pacific) and John Nicholas (Europe Africa). AMERICAS - Chris Ankner This Spring at the New Orleans Wine weekend, Dwight Catherwood received the seventeenth …

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 The objectives of the IWFS Korea are to bring together those who believe the right understanding of food and wine is an essential part of personal contentment and health. Therefore, the focus is on the promotion and knowledge of the wines of the …

Menus: '24-Current 2025- Dinners 910th Dinner - EL Ideas 911th Dinner - Ever 908th Dinner - Jeong 909th Dinner - Sushi San 906th Dinner - Dear Margaret 907th Dinner - Casino Club 904th Dinner - Schwa 905th Dinner - Oriole 902nd Dinner - John's Food & Wine…

Alfred "Al" Fadel, 82, passed away on October 20, 2023. He was born on March 7, 1941, in Los Angeles, CA and no matter how many times he ventured away from Los Angeles, he always returned. Al was an intensely bright and devoted individual, particularly in…

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…

Documents For many years, our group has taken pleasure in savoring exquisite vintage wines and indulging in gourmet meals during our events. We are committed to relishing the finest wines paired with exceptional food while in the company of good friends. …

Willamette Valley, USA 2-6 May 2023 What a tremendous success this five-day festival was. Based in the heart of the Willamette Valley 120 guests from around the world tasted their way around the many premium wines of the region as well as a number of top …

We are very pleased to report that two new branches have opened in the Sunshine state of Florida. They are: Florida - Gulfstream Branch The Gulfstream Branch celebrated its formation with two superb inaugural events in mid-April. On April 14, Board Member…

Message from the President Chris Bonsall Your Society is in excellent health. So say I after attending two contrasting Festivals in May, namely one in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, and the other in Catalunya, Spain. Click here to read more Global News Ne…

UK, LONDON - Capital branch Congratulations to Capital branch for their successful launch event. Based in London, the UK’s capital city, their official launch event was held on February 15th at the RAF Club, Piccadilly. It was a sold-out gathering of 40…

Message from the President Chris Bonsall As I look out over a sparkling Sydney Harbour this February morning in the Southern Hemisphere, it is with optimism that this year will be a wonderful one for our Society, in its 90th year, with a full year of exci…

Overview Welcome to our Club, we aim to provide great culinary and wine experiences in a fun and inclusive atmosphere. We want to enjoy good food, good wine , and good company. We hope you will join us on our journey.…

The Story of our Branch Early Days The West Riding branch (as it was first known) of the IWFS came about through the direct instigation of Andre Simon. Tony Hepworth, an undergraduate at Cambridge, was a member of the University branch of the Society and …

hello Dear IWFS Member, Please join us and winemaker Ken Wright on Tuesday, April 18, at 4:00PM PST/ 7:00PM EST, for our next IWFS Tasting Series Event. This will be a live virtual wine tasting, hosted by Ken Wright Cellars, via Zoom. A Zoom invitation wi…

Dr. John R. Fischer January 26, 1937 - June 25, 2022 John was born in Vermont but lived most of his life in Omaha practicing medicine as an Ob-Gyn physician. John had two terms of presidency for the Omaha Branch: from 1989 to 1991, and again from 2004 to …

Past Events 2017-2018 71 Above The Arbour Spring University Club 2018-2019 The Athenaeum The Arbour Drago Centro Tesse 2019-2020 *Covid Bistro 45 The Royce 2020-2021 *Covid Faith and Flower Peter Neptune - Master Sommelier Virtual Tasting Fernando Beteta …

David David Spurell, In Memoriam Sadly, one of the longest members of our Vancouver Branch, David Spurrell, passed away on January 22nd. He had been a member of the IWFS for over 40 years and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His lively and info…

Past Events Gala Dinner 2021 Great Event with little (pandemic) restrictions. So, the majority of our members participated . The event was housed in the marvellous Club Baur au Lac.…

We welcome the latest news from our Zone Chairmen, and members of the International Council of Management – Stephen Hipple (Americas), Michael Tamburri (Asia Pacific) and John Nicholas (Europe Africa) AMERICAS - StePHeN Hipple The Americas is doing real…

Events 2025-2026 Event Schedule (Tentative) * NOTES: All dinners will be the second Wednesday of each month unless otherwise posted. * - Event venues, themes and dates are subject to change. As the dining landscape of Chicago evolves, we will also adapt, …

Annual Reports and Accounts Click on Document Name to open Document Name Date Comment AGM_2025_Minutes.pdf 13 Sept 2025 EA Ltd Annual Report 31 Dec 2024 EA Ltd AGM Minutes 2024 30 Sept 2024 EA Ltd Annual Report 31 Dec 2023 EA Ltd AGM Minutes 2023 21 Sept …

What your branch and members get from IWFS These include: Branch and member public liability insurance (including liquor liability) cover of GBP1.5 million. Being a part of the oldest independent gastronomic society in the world (established 1933). Enjoyi…

Alsace 2020 vintage – excellent ripeness – it’s a 6! David Ling, our Vintage Card Consultant for Alsace, reports - ‘In Alsace, 2020 was a typical "hot vintage", with all that that entails, and a bit smaller than average. Flowering started early (l…

July 26, 1945 - February 1, 2021 Published in Los Angeles Times from Feb. 13 to Feb. 14, 2021. Joel H. Ravitz, Chairman & C.E.O. of Quincy Cass Associates, passed away unexpectedly at UCLA Medical Center on February 1, 2021 at the age of 75. Joel was born…

It is with sadness and honor that I pay tribute to a great man. Dr. Fred Frye has left us. If you knew this man, you would understand that words are not enough. He was true “gourmet” in all walks of life. His boundless enthusiasm for everything he und…

Events HUANGPU Branch 2nd Anniversary On 21st April 2021, IWFS Huangpu (Shanghai) Branch successfully held the 2nd Anniversary of its official founding, under the starry night benefiting from the outstanding gastronomy in < Mr & Mrs Bund by Paul Pairet >.…

J.A. WILLIAM WHITEACRE, UE MM CD QC BA LLB September 24, 1923 - August 11, 2020 Published in The Globe and Mail from Aug. 15 to Aug. 19, 2020. Bill lived life large with a voracious appetite for adventure, knowledge, the Arts, gourmet food, and fine wines…

13th Annual Shutterbug Contest! And the winner is…..Congratulations to all! And, start shooting now for our 2020 Shutterbug Contest!Cheers!Kathy Kallaus, Publisher “Liquid Gold” Alan Marko , The Caymans Branch For his captivating photo, Alan will re…

Events The Greater Omaha Branch of IWFS holds dinners, wine tastings, and educational events throughout the year. Our goal is to provide 8 to 10 events per year for our members and guests. Some highlights include: Our annual summer picnic Our annual Holid…

Events Welcome to our Events Page - now updated with an exciting schedule of events for 2026. Please note: While we are aiming to give our members as much advance notice as possible, dates and details for all events should be considered provisional until …

We have received an invitation to take part in an exclusive musical and historical tour of Westminster Abbey on Saturday 26th May 2018 in the company of members of the Purcell Club. The Purcell Club tours of the Abbey are very special and much in demand. …

There has been a fantastic response to the invitation to attend the two events in London on the 12th & 13th November 2013. The Dinner at Vintners’ Hall on 12th November has just 12 places left and over 140 have already applied so do apply very soon if y…

Have you ever looked at the photographs of IWFS events and wondered whether something different, something more vibrant, something less boring was possible. Or have you tried to take photographs of food and wine events, and been disappointed with the resu…

IWFS Europe Africa - 85th Anniversary Dinner,Wed 14th November 2018 at Northcote, Lancashire Michelin starred Northcote will be one venue for an 85th Anniversary Dinner where Lisa Goodwin-Allen – of The Great British Menu fame - will prepare, and talk t…

Events - past "Wine with Chinese" - 22nd May 2012 Yuet Ben Restaurant "Wine with Indian" - 9th July 2012 Mayur Restaurant "Wine with Thai/SE Asian Cuisine" - 10th September 2012 Chilli Pot Restaurant "Wine with Modern British" - 12th November 2012 Pruno R…

Meetings The International Wine & Food SocietyIWFS Americas Inc. Meetings of the North American Committee (NAC), North American Board of Governors (NABG), Board of Governors of the Americas (BGA) and IWFS Americas, Inc. (IWFSA) Date Place Hotel Hosted by …

Overview IWFS Bombay (India) The Bombay Branch of the International Wine and Food Society was established in June 2006 by ‘the 3 hags’, as they called themselves...Nihal Kaviratne, who whilst selling toothpaste and detergents around the world for Unil…

List Of events 2019/20 March 16th AGM Leicestershire Golf Club April 13th The Noel June 30th Stapleford Park (lunch) September 14th The Attic @ Kilworth Springs (combined lunch with Northants IWFS) November 2nd Alchemilla, Nottingham (lunch) December 7th …

Events The Washington DC Chapter conducts ten dinner events annually. Dinner Chairpersons are selected by the President and rotate through the entire membership. Dinner events take place throughout the DC, Maryland and Virginia area at restaurants, dining…

Overview The Northeast Texas Branch of IWFS will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in January 2026. The Branch Charter was granted January 16, 1976. The Branch has a current membership of 70 wine and food enthusiasts . Branch members and their guests partici…

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…

Overview The Montreal branch of the IWFS was founded in 1963 and has currently over 125 members – singles and couples. The branch is dedicated to enjoying the world of fine wines and the exciting Montreal restaurant scene and sharing what we have learne…

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 The Kansas City, Missouri Branch:The local branch which began in 1944 has approximately 100 members. The purpose of the local Branch is to enjoy fine wines and fine dining and to learn and promote a wider knowledge of the wines of the world. The …

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…

The Gazette & Photos 2026 December Newsletter Photos November Newsletter Photos October Newsletter Photos September Newsletter Photos August Newsletter Photos July Newsletter Photos June Newsletter Photos May Newsletter Photos April Newsletter Photos Marc…

Menus: '50s-'60s 1969 Dinners 347th Dinner - Tavern Club 348th Dinner - Sheraton-Blackstone 345th Dinner - Chicago Club 346th Dinner - Frank & Marie's 343rd Dinner - Continental Plaza 344th Dinner - Hartford Plaza 341st Dinner - Mid-America Club 342nd Din…

Menus: '16-'23 2020-2023 Dinners 886th Dinner - Les Nomades 887th Dinner - University Club 884th Dinner - Rose Mary 885th Dinner - George Trois 882nd Dinner - Oceanique 883rd Dinner - The Racquet Club 880th Dinner - Wherewithall 881st Dinner - Kasama 878t…

"Hundred" Dinners "Hundred" Dinners 400th Dinner - January 14, 1975 at the Tavern Club: Menu Food Notes Wine Notes Member List 500th Dinner - January 8, 1985 at the Ritz Carlton: Menu Food Notes Wine Notes Member List Group photo Report 600th Dinner - Dec…

Events The Schedule of Events for the 2025-2026 Season NOVEMBER 11, 2025, TUESDAY - ANGELINA'S, BONITA SPRINGS DECEMBER 2, 2025, TUESDAY - LUNCHEON AT OLD VINES SUPPER CLUB, NAPLES JANUARY 13, 2026, TUESDAY - BISTRO LA BAGUETTE, NAPLES FEBRUARY 9, 2026, M…

About the Jacksonville Branch The Wine & Food Society of Jacksonville was chartered in June, 1992 as a Branch of The International Wine & Food Society of London, England. It was awarded its permanent charter on October 14, 1995. Currently we have 43 membe…

Overview Welcome to the Cayman Islands Branch of the International Wine & Food Society. With picturesque beaches, gourmet restaurants and year-round sunny weather, our members enjoy the world’s best food and wine in both a warm and friendly environment.…

Overview On May 5, 1986, our installation into the International Wine and Food Society was celebrated with dinner at Michael’s Waterside Inn. We had 41 members, and our honored guests included Mr. René Aponte, Chariman, North American Board of Governor…

TRAVEL TIPS FOR VISITORS Blackpool is a seaside town and borough of Lancashire, North West England. It is situated along England's northwest coast by the Irish Sea, on the Fylde peninsular between the Ribble and Wyre estuaries Blackpool rose to prominence…

Programme of Events for 2011 INTERNATIONAL WINE & FOOD SOCIETY BLACKPOOL & FYLDE COAST BRANCH Programme of Events 2011 3rd January AGM & Bordeaux By David James 7th February International Wine Challenge Winners By Jim Marshall 7th March Ian Clark (Purple …

Past Events Some of our more recent events 2022 Spring Dinner at Casa Abrego Club 2021 Corral de Tierra Country Club Holiday Dinner 2021 Annual Meeting Monterey Peninsula Country Club Beach House 2021 Summer Picnic at Frankie Appling's Home 2021 President…

Welcome Click here to view our updated Special Evenings section OUR HISTORY In early 1951, there were written records of an organizational meeting that led to the formation of a club in La Jolla called The Gourmet Club. The first dinner was held on June 2…

Events 2017 - 2018 Season International Wine & Food Society of Phoenix 2017 - 2018 Dinner Schedule October 4th Christopher's and Crush Bar Chef/Owner Christopher Gross Chair: Peter Weisskopf November 8th Atlas Bistro Chef Cory Oppold Chair: Sam Nocifera D…

Overview The Birmingham Branch of IW&FS was founded by Dr. Stacy Childs on November 21, 1988 with 22 charter members. In addition to Kris and Dr. Childs, the other charter members were: Mary and Edward Baich, Donna and David Black, Rossi and Frank Cobb, D…

Enjoy a spring break in New York City with members of IWFS from around the world. Stay at the iconic JW Marriott Essex House overlooking Central Park and within walking distance of Carnegie Hall, The Lincoln Center and the shops on Fifth Avenue and Madiso…

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 …

BRANCH CONTACTS 2017/2018 The Americas (AMS), the Asia Pacific Zone (APZ) and the Europe Africa Zone (EAZ) each has jurisdiction over all Branches within its area. Telephone numbers: (h) = home; (w) = work; (m) = mobile/cellphone. AUSTRALIA (APZ) New Sout…

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 Penny Mincho, Austin Branch 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 the Hula Beach Club recall the time Beyoncé showed off h…

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…

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 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…

GRAND PRIZE WINNER"Gelato!" by Peter Tansill, Monterey Peninsula Branch SECOND PLACE WINNER"Barrel making in Beaune" by David Purcell, La Jolla Branch THIRD PLACE WINNER"Light Wine" by Alex Bielak, Niagara Branch HONORABLE MENTION"Gabrielle" by Kathy Kall…

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 …

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…

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 …

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 …

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 13 IWFS Americas Inc. recognizes two classes of membership: those of IWFS Americas-chartered Branches, and Independent Members. (Please refer to Chapter 3 for information regarding the admission and types of Branch members.)…

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 …

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…

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…

Andre Simon (1877-1970) Andre Simon - bibliophile, gourmet, wine connoisseur, historian and writer - is unrivaled in his contribution to the "art of good living". Born in Paris, he came to London in 1902 as the English agent for the champagne house of Pom…

About the International Secretariat We are based in The Naval & Military Club (The In & Out). We can be contacted as follows: 4 St James's Square London SW1Y 4JUTel: +44 (0)20 7827 5732Fax: +44 (0)20 7827 5733Tel/Fax: + 44 (0)1753 882320Email: sec@iwfs.or…

The Wines Committee consists of a team of distinguished members of the wine world, a number of whom are Masters of Wine. The Committee meets annually, usually during May, to discuss the latest vintage assessments for its Vintage Card, App and Chart which …