THE WINE AND FOOD SOCIETY OF NEW YORK was chartered in 1934. It is the oldest United States chapter of the International Wine & Food Society (IW&FS), which was founded in London by André Simón, a world renowned French gastronome and one of the outstanding writers of his time on food and wine.

Our goals are to:

•Promote wider knowledge and understanding of the wine and food of the world.

•Enhance our appreciation and discernment of fine wine and fine food.

•Encourage and nurture friendships of individuals who share culinary and oenological joys.

We pride ourselves on the innovative, educational and creative appeal of our activities. The events are one-of-a-kind and tailor-made by the Society. Our events include two or three monthly dinners, tastings or seminars featuring both the familiar and the esoteric. We have sampled recipes culled from collections of royalty, accompanied 3-star chefs on their early morning market rounds, had European Consul Generals host an evening event, and kneaded dough and chopped onions under the tutelage of the pros. In our tastings we may learn how to analyze the components of wine and savor the glories of the First Growths. Themes guide each event creating exquisite culinary experiences, interesting pairings of wine and food, educational enhancement, and social enjoyment. Our events are unique and often sold out.

Our membership is by invitation. Members are encouraged to be actively involved in the Society by volunteering to join committees as well as chairing and attending events. The resources of our members' substantial wine collections are sourced and shared during BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) events. These dinner evenings provide members the opportunity to drink the great vintages and "sleeper" vintages of Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhone Valley, and the wines of Italy, California, Spain, Germany, South and North America, and South Africa.

Members may attend functions of other International Wine & Food Society branches when they travel abroad as well as in the U.S., and may enjoy the worldwide network of wine and food enthusiasts. Members may participate in the International Festivals, where host chapters share the talents of their nation and regions, chefs, winemakers and hoteliers. Each member receives the quarterly issue of the Newsletter of the Americas, as well as the International Society Journal, which reports the activities of the branches worldwide.