Regional News
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 hearty ‘welcome aboard’ to the Young Members’ Circle of the IWFS of Metropolitan NY. This is a new branch that just received their Provisional Charter last month. The Branch is only open to members aged 21-39. The branch will act as a feeder to the long-established New York Branch.
The New York Branch, like many branches in the Americas, has had a hard time attracting younger members. Long-time NYC Board member, Alan Frishman, came up with the idea behind a new kind of branch. He saw that young people have money and an interest in wine, but when they come to our events, they feel intimidated and out of place. They want to learn about wine, but they want to explore with their peers, not their grandparents.
Young people with money and an interest in building a cellar are the holy grail for marketers. The YMC has already had events sponsored by Cheval Blanc and Chapoutier. On tap are Bollinger, Guigal and Bouchard among others. Membership requires not just an age requirement, initiation and dues, but answering a three page application form that includes five essay questions. I attended the first event in the beautiful Model Room of the New York Yacht Club. There were seventy well-dressed, excited and engaged young members. Pierre Lurton from Cheval Blanc and D’Yquem spoke. Some of our senior branches should take notes.
The core of the group comes from the Harvard Wine Club, where Alan has been a mentor. He gathered a group of alumni who are working in New York. From mid-summer until this writing in early November, they have attracted 75 members. As members age out of the YMC, they are eligible to join the “senior” branch. Not only is this a great idea, it is clearly working, but I think it is also scalable. I think any city with a stable branch and a large university nearby can duplicate this.
ASIA PACIFIC – Michael Tamburri
What a delight to finally be able to welcome members to the IWFS Triennial Hong Kong / Macau. It was a celebration which exceeded expectations after 6 years of planning and I’m delighted that Hong Kong President and festival coordinator Karen Leung and her Committee in showcasing an exceptional wine and food experience in 2 major vibrant global ‘metropolis’ of the world. It was pleasing to see over 90 attendees from 25 of our global branches in attendance. What an honour it was to welcome Christian Seely CEO of AXA Millésimes as our guest speaker for our Saturday night dinner showcasing the Pichon Baron, Quinta Do Noval and Disznoko Tokaji wines.
I am pleased to announce that Malaysia will be our next Asia Pacific Festival destination in November 2025. This includes a pre-tour to Penang and Ipoh IWFS branches concluding in our Kuala Lumpur branch. Booking details will be out soon but for any expressions of interest please get in touch with our APZ administrator at: apz@iwfs.org.
Our Tea monographs and pouches have been distributed to the majority Asia Pacific branches. This is now available online to read on your devices as an epub file or a pdf – click here to go to the link on the members only pages. Our editorial team is constantly refining and updating the APZ e-newsletter and it’s evident that it’s improving members interaction with the Society. I’ve seen members participation increase with each edition which is pleasing for the future. I’m exploring how we can further enhance our publications to be translated in the various country languages. Please send any branch news to our editorial team by early January 2025 at: editor.apz@iwfs.org
Most branches are expanding their activities but unfortunately it has been a lot slower than anticipated. We have delayed the launch of the new branch in Hainan Island, China and we are still progressing the potential relaunch of branches in Thailand and Indonesia. Unfortunately, it’s sad to announce that the Nagoya branch in Japan has decided to close. Overall, our membership numbers have stabilised and are showing a gradual increase over the past 5 months.
I note that the IWFS website has been updated and I encourage members to download the Member App and take advantage of its many features. Click here to download onto your device. This is also a significant opportunity to regroup and grow and I encourage members to consider inviting other like-minded people to join our IWFS family.
EUROPE AFRICA – John Nicholas
As we approach the festive season, I wish you all happy holidays and best wishes for the New Year.
Joan and I recently returned from the Hong Kong festival, where unusually late typhoons failed to dampen the spirits of the participants in this celebration of Asian culture and cuisine matched by some wonderful wines and great company.
In Hong Kong, we observed that the average age of the membership in Asia Pacific was somewhat lower than that in Europe Africa (and I am sure the Americas also) and the events during the festival were tailored for these younger members, most of whom are working and therefore the events were timed for weekends and evenings. In Europe Africa, we are making gradual inroads to creating opportunities for a younger generation using all the expertise and knowledge which exists in the Society as acknowledge base. We must also communicate with younger people in the way that they communicate with each other – WhatsApp, Instagram and other social platforms. Bookings and payments for events need to be possible using a smartphone and timing of events need to be for those who are working. We are making progress, with change evolving over time, not through a “big bang” change. At the same time as appealing to potential younger members, we must continue to organise events in our branches to appeal to all our membership including midweek and daytime events. Our May 2025 festival in Rioja, Spain with a two-night pre-festival in Bilbao are fully subscribed with a mix of members from all three regions of IWFS.
The fundamental premise of our Society is that it is run through the voluntary efforts of our members. Clubs, community groups and many other similar organisations thrive when many members “do” something to ensure the smooth running of the organisation. In our case, this needs voluntary effort not only in our branches, but also in ensuring that the infrastructure and purpose of the Society are fulfilled by volunteers. There are many tasks, some more onerous than others, but all give a level of satisfaction and achievement to those who take part. We need new volunteers prepared to do that “extra bit” and like all organisations “fresh insights” are needed. Wherever you are in the Society consider how you can help your Region, as well as your branch, to ensure the future of our Society.
These are very uncertain times. There seems to be a shifting balance of power in the world with warzones in Eastern Europe and the Middle East as well as the changing of political hue of government in many countries and increasing nationalism, and dare I say it protectionism. However, our Society continues to focus on two of the fundamentals of life – food and drink (albeit somewhat above our basic human needs) consumed in convivial surroundings with those who have a common interest in enjoying wine and food, as well as extending their knowledge. IWFS and its events and festivals are a haven for all our members, diverting our thoughts and anxieties that we are faced with in the wider world.
Enjoy your festive celebrations, both with your branch (or chapter) and with friends and families. Perhaps during the festivities, you will discover a “new” wine which is a perfect match for your festive delights.