Enhancing the Intelligent Sharing of Good Food and Fine Wine Amongst Friends  

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  ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL WINE & FOOD SOCIETY

The International Wine & Food Society (IW&FS) is the world’s oldest and most renowned gastronomic society. The Society’s mission is the promotion of a broad knowledge and understanding of both wine and food, the enhancement of their appreciation, and the nurturing of camaraderie among those who share the pleasures of the table. The IW&FS is a worldwide organization founded in 1933 by André L. Simon, CBE, Legion d’Honneur (1877-1970), who was renowned as a bibliophile, gourmet, wine connoisseur, historian and writer. In his words, the purpose of the Society "is to bring together and serve all who believe that a right understanding of good food and wine is an essential part of personal contentment and health, and that an intelligent approach to the pleasures and problems of the table offers far greater rewards than the mere satisfaction of appetite." Simon’s energy and charm ultimately enabled him to generate branches throughout the world so that today there are more than 8,000 members in 150 branches in 40 countries.

In the Americas, there are 80 branches of the IW&FS throughout the United States, Canada, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Mexico, with a total membership of nearly 4,800. The Board of Governors of the Americas (BGA), established in 1966, is the governing body that oversees the activities of these branches.

The primary activities of the IW&FS are events organized by individual branches. The BGA encourages program exchanges between branches, offers ideas for new and interesting events and approves awards for special members, outstanding chefs and memorable occasions.

The BGA publishes a quarterly newsletter Wine, Food & Friends and maintains the Americas section of the Society's web site. It has also established an educational foundation that provides scholarships for students in enology and the culinary arts.

For more information, visit www.iwfs.com. 

York, PA Branch of the International Wine & Food Society