Bringing people together for more than 90 years.
Bringing people together for more than 90 years.
You'll enjoy and learn about fine wine, expertly paired
You'll enjoy and learn about fine wine, expertly paired
with elegant food, made from the finest ingredients.
with elegant food, made from the finest ingredients.
All in the company of good friends, both old and new.
All in the company of good friends, both old and new.
Begin your own journey of Wine, Food & Friends!
Begin your own journey of Wine, Food & Friends!
Select your region below and learn more about
Select your region below and learn more about

Our Awards

The last few months have seen no less than 10 prestigious André Simon medals being awarded to a host of truly worthy recipients in recognition of their work for the Society.

André Simon Gold Medals - Americas member Stephen (Steve) Hipple was presented with his much deserved award on 24 August 2024 having served the Society for over 25 years in many capacities –but always had in mind for the Society to grow and thrive. He has been Americas board member since 2007, Chairman of the Festival and Events Committee, bringing the program to the next level, for more than a decade, Chairman of the Americas from 2020-2023 and as a member of the International Council of Management (ICM) for four years.  He has more recently been the creator and driving force behind the hugely popular Member App.

 

Steve received his award aboard the AmaMora during the gala dinner of the Americas Rhine Festival on 24 August 2024.  While enjoying his dinner Steve was unaware of the plans that were afoot. His fellow Omaha branch members had been seated close to him to be able to share the event with their friend and get a good view of his investiture. Unbenownst to Steve, fellow ICM member Michael Tamburri (Asia Pacific Chair), who was presenting the award, had decided to be in official dress and borrowed the AmaMora Captain’s official uniform jacket, complete with gold braid to make the surprise award.  Steve was caught unaware as Michael began outlining the dedication of the recipient of the award he was about to present and said that he was so honored.  Steve has given a lot of time and expense in promoting and guiding the Americas zone for the Society.  This is a well-deserved honor.  Thank you for your service, Steve.

Michael Tamburri, Steve Hipple, Ananth Natarajan

 

Ron Barker received his highly merited André Simon Gold Medal on 2 December 2024 at the Christmas Dinner of his branch, Blackpool & Fylde Coast, at which members from neighbouring branches were present.  John Nicholas, Europe Africa Chair and ICM member made the surprise presentation to Ron. John spoke of Ron’s 25 years of service to the Society on many levels at branch, region and International level including Chairman of his branch and also of the Europe Africa region. During his time he transformed the region’s magazine Food & Wine, where Ron still Chairs the Society Wines Committee, which assesses and pulls together the annual vintage card. 

 

At the closing event of the Hong Kong festival, on 17 November, Michael Tamburri presented six awards to Asia Pacific members in recognition of their work and dedication to the Society.

André Simon Silver medals - two members were presented with this prestigious award - Eddie Hu, Taipei branch, for his work as a member of the Asia Pacific Executive Committee, former branch President, for facilitating the expansion of the number of branches in Taiwan and also for his steadfast support of events for members of the region and globally across the Society since joining the Society in 2012; and to Erik Lehnacker, Victoria branch, who joined the Society in 2009, he has served as President of his branch and continues to serve as Director and Treasurer/Secretary of Asia Pacific a role he has held since 2012 and assisting in the successful running of regional and international events.

Eddie Hu, Michael Tamburri, Erik Lehnacker (left to right)

 

Four André Simon Bronze medals were awarded to members for their continued support of the Asia Pacific region - Chan May Peng, Kuala Lumpur branch, who has served as her branch President and is a current committee member; Nirmal Bhogilal, Bombay branch who has also served as President of his branch and has worked to support the Asia Pacific region in particular assisting with a festival in 2017; Primitivo (Sonny) Garcia, Philippines branch, is a loyal and longstanding member having joined in January 1998 and who has assisted in building the branding of the region’s branches;  Karen Leung, Hong Kong branch President, Asia Pacific Executive Member and Chair of the recent very successful Hong Kong festival and who joined the Society in July 2016.

Nirmal Bhogilal, Chan May Peng, Michael Tamburri, Sonny Garcia, Karen Leung (left to right)