Our Festivals
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 began near the Rhine’s source in Basel, Switzerland, and cruised to the great river’s mouth in Amsterdam.
The group sailed on the AMAMora, and members said that the food served was Michelin-level quality. The wines brought in to accompany the food were of high quality and perfect matches to the chef’s creations. Wine expert Paula Sidore guided attendees through the history of the Rhine’s wine regions.
Highlights included a slow cruise through the Rhine’s mighty gorge, and activities at the ship’s ports were no less impressive. Particularly memorable was a tasting in Alsace held at Zind-Humbrecht. A perfect choice to show off the variety of wines made in Alsace, each bottle seemed to be a jewel box with unique treasures inside. David Ling is an expert in the region, and he led the group at a dinner showcasing the unique foods and wines produced there.
The cruise also included memorable stops at the UNESCO Heritage Site in Breisach, the Baroque Palace in Mannheim, Rudensheim’s “old town”, the historic Lahneck Castle in Lahnheim, and the majestic Cathedral in Cologne.
After so much activity in just a few days, the members found a serene end to the cruise in the famous canals of Amsterdam. It was a good time for everyone to reflect on all they’d seen, and all the great food and wine they had been served.
And we imagine that in one way or another, they all said “What a trip!”
Thanks to Charles Schurhammer Chairman of the Americas Festival and Events Committee for organising such a wonderful trip and to Paula Sidore and David Ling for their expertise and insight into the region and its wines and also thank you to the producers who welcomed the members.
UK, WEST YORKSHIRE
September 13-15 2024
A Europe Africa Great Weekend combined with their AGM offered members across the region the opportunity to share great wine and food in beautiful West Yorkshire. Members enjoyed the Pinot Noir video with Anne Krebiehl MW whilst tasting the wines accompanied by very ‘tasty’ food prepared by members of the branch. There was dinner at Moortown Golf Club (home of the first Ryder Cup - a bonus for golf fans). A tour of Harewood House (home of the Lascelles family) was followed by dinner at The Hovels on the Harewood Estate (part of the family's fine dining and food initiatives) at Harewood House.
On the Friday evening members enjoyed dinner at Bardsey Village Hall, where the West Yorkshire branch hold many of their events. This evening had a Pinot Noir focus. After an Aperitif of sparkling Pinot Noir, members settled down to watch the recently launched Europe Africa tasting video based on the 2023 IWFS Pinot Noir Around the World monograph and which featured its author Anne Krebiehl MW. In the video Anne takes members through Pinots from France, Germany, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and the US. Alongside the first four wines small plates, tapas style were served and the remaining wines were enjoyed with a delicious home-cooked salmon lasagne. With Anne Krebiehl on video means this fabulous evening can be easily repeated by any Europe Africa branch and at relatively little cost with the wines selected ranging from £15 to £30 per bottle. This is a great new asset for Europe Africa and branches are encouraged to ‘give it a go’. Thanks to Phillip Kim, Chair of the Capital branch, who drove the filming and editing of the video with support from Stephen Harrison, Chair of West Yorkshire branch.
Saturday commenced with about 40 members attending the AGM and Members’ Forum and then members headed to Moortown Golf Club for the West Yorkshire branch’s annual “Deliciously Yorkshire” dinner. A word about the Golf Club for the golf fans amongst us. It is in the top 100 courses in the UK designed by Alister MacKenzie (who also designed Augusta National, amongst others). In 1929, it hosted the first Ryder Cup to be held in the UK, which was only one of two Ryder Cup events won by the UK before combining with all countries in Europe.
The evening began with a Cava sparkling wine and delicious canapes were served whilst admiring the magnificent sunset across the golf course. Members were then served a superb menu created by the Golf Club chef, Stuart Scott, with products from winners of the local Taste of Yorkshire awards for regional food producers and a prize-winning Pinot Gris from the local Dunesforde vineyard.
Sunday promised typical English weather of rain when, of course, there were two walks planned! In the morning, Tim Gittins, a long-term member of West Yorkshire branch, kindly took a small group for a walk to explore the heritage of the city as it developed through the industrial revolution, welding together the “old” with the “new”. In the afternoon, the coach headed to Harewood House, the seat of the Lascelles family, where a rain-soaked tour round the lake to the walled kitchen garden, a vital part of Harewood’s field-to-fork principles where “no dig” principles are applied. Much of the produce there was used in our meal that evening. This was followed by a guided tour of the Historic house built between 1759 and 1771 with its collection of paintings and unique Chippendale furniture. A glass of bubbly followed, over-looking the landscape designed by Lancelot “Capability” Brown.
The black-tie gala dinner was held at the Hovels, part of the Harewood House Food & Drink project created and managed by Eddy Lascelles, the youngest son of the current Earl. Thanks were given by Stephen Harrison to Eddy Lascelles and his team, who had created a great event. Stephen also announced that an award would be made at a future event to the Harewood Food and Drink project both for this wonderful event but also for their support for IWFS over the years including the presentation of a fine dining “Zoom” experience during the Covid lockdowns, and an impromptu branch Anniversary dinner.
Finally, John Nicholas thanked the West Yorkshire branch team for all their efforts in making this a memorable weekend.
The above is summary of a report produced by Stephen Harrison and John Nicholas. To read the full report see Food & Wine issue 151, November 2024.
HONG KONG & MACAU
November 16-19 2024
Destination Hong Kong & Macau - In the spirit of the IWFS, friendships were formed over fine food and wine at the Asia Pacific’s recent festival. Staying at the luxurious Regent Hotel on the waterfront of the Hong Kong harbour, members were treated to some of Hong Kong’s finest restaurants and key tourist destinations. Macau, the post tour destination, was a Michelin star treat.
Hong Kong Festival - Despite dismal weather conditions, the weekend kicked off with a Victoria harbour cruise onboard the restored Chinese junk boat – the Aqua Luna. The cruise gave the opportunity to take in the iconic skyline of the city from the water.
Dinner, at Chinese restaurant Hutong offered breathtaking views of the harbour. With wines from Links Concept Family Wine Merchants, the evening kicked off with Champagne Louis Roederer Collection 244 in magnum. Dinner included Abalone with Black Truffle, Steamed Cod with Sichuan Green Peppercorn and Double Happiness Roasted Sucking Pig. The wines of Domaine Bachelet-Monnot Bourgogne Blanc Côte d'Or 2021 and Chateau Villa Bel Air Graves 2021 paired well with the menu.
At dinner, members enjoyed a short traditional opera character performance known in Chinese as bian lian (face changing). An important aspect of Chinese Sichuan Opera - the performer switches his face mask with the flick of his head.
On the Saturday, members visited the Hong Kong Palace Museum located in the West Kowloon Cultural District. Showcasing the museum’s artefacts (there are over 900), members also learnt about the history of porcelain making.
Lunch was at the charming China Club located in Central district on Hong Kong island. IWFS members were given access to the members-only club which offers beautiful art deco interiors and art and antiquities from 1930’s Shanghai. Accompanying the dim sum lunch were wines from China’s Grace Vineyard. CEO Judy Chen who flew in specifically for this event introduced her winery located in the province of Shanxi, North China. Members were introduced to the Marselan varietal (cabernet sauvignon x grenache) which has become synonymous with Chinese wine with many Chinese winemakers producing 100% Marselan wine such as Grace Vineyard’s Tasya’s Reserve Marselan. Judy also shared with members the current trends in the Chinese wine industry.
The afternoon offered two tours. One on the funicular railway to Victoria Peak and the other to Chatham Maison gallery for an art and tea experience - both iconic destinations for any visitor to Hong Kong. The former offered a stunning view of the city skyline and Victoria Harbour, whilst the latter provided a tranquil experience in a building that was built in 1927.
The gala evening was held at the Regent Hotel. The IWFS was honoured to have as its guest of honour Mr. Christian Seely - Managing Director of AXA Millesimes and owner of English sparkling house Coates & Seely, with wines from both companies being served on the evening. The eight-course meal included Bluefin Tuna, Organic Avocado with Salmon Roe, Golden Sea Cucumber and Almond Panna Cotta with Assorted Berries. The wines served were Coates & Seely Brut Reserve NV, Lions de Suduiraut Blanc Sec 2023, Pauillac de Château Pichon Baron 2020, Les Tourelles de Longueville 2019, Château Pichon Baron 2006 and Disznoko Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos 2013.
At dinner, the André Simon Bronze and Silver medals as well as the White and Blue medallions were awarded to members across the Asia Pacific. A huge thank you to all recipients for their contributions to the Society. (See our Awards feature in this issue for images and details)
On the last day of the festival (Sunday), branch representatives from the Asia Pacific gathered for a meeting with Asia Pacific Chair Michael Tamburri before the Annual General Meeting. The festival ended with a champagne lunch at Nobu restaurant kindly supported by Champagne Taittinger. The meal featuring fresh and delicate Japanese dishes paired with bubbly from one of the finest champagne houses of France was a fitting end to a magnificent festival.
The Post Tour to Macau (17-19 November) - known in the 1600s as the ‘Vatican of the East” involved travelling by road through reclaimed crane strewn land, through an undersea tunnel and over a 55km bridge.
Dinner was at two Michelin star restaurant Alain Ducasse at the Morpheus hotel. With glasses of Dom Perignon guests enjoyed their meal with exquisite dishes created by Chef Cedric Satabin.
Monday’s morning activity was a tour of the Historic Centre of Macau – a UNESCO World Heritage Site which included Leal Senando Building, the seat of Portuguese Macau’s government. The tour was followed by lunch at the Palace Garden Restaurant at the Grand Lisboa. Members were treated to a tasting from baijiu maker Baojun. Provided with three different styles of baijiu, members created their own blend to bring home. The restaurant with its spectacular 35 metre Suzhou embroidery of chrysanthemums with its exquisite Cantonese cuisine made for a memorable experience.
Team Lab, an immersive experience that combines art and technology was the afternoon activity before dinner at Guincho a Galera – the first Michelin starred restaurant from Portugal to open a branch abroad. Fine Portuguese cuisine was paired with Justerini & Brooks 250th Anniversary Cuvee Champagne and their 2022 White Burgundy. Also served at dinner was 1989 Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron, Penfold’s RWT 2001 and of course from Portugal the 2009 Fonseca Vintage Port.
Hong Kong produced an exceptional Festival and Post Tour. A huge thank you to Karen Leung, Hong Kong branch President, the organising committee and Eddie Hu for all their work in putting this festival together.
Asia Pacific looks forward to their 2025 Festival, firstly in Penang and Ipoh and then the main Festival, in Kuala Lumpur.