Message from the Global Chairman

Summer has arrived, with its attendant heat and humidity, and it is sweltering here in Houston.  Hurricane Beryl barreled through, and reminded us, in its tragic wake, how lucky we are to simply be alive.  I say a prayer for those who perished.  I wish that climate change and the volatility of the seasons wasn't a thing, but it sure feels like it is.  For you, I can only wish for less disruptive weather.

The three regions, Europe Africa, Asia Pacific and the Americas, are delivering a calendar full of unique experiences, some having passed, but more to come.  Asia Pacific is hard at work putting the finishing touches on what will be a great Triennial Festival in Hong Kong in November.  I am always amazed that Asia Pacific, with 15+ languages can coexist, much less thrive, as it is demonstrates why it is the fastest growing of the three zones.  Europe, for its part has wrapped up its sold-out Loire Festival, and is moving ahead with its AGM Weekend in West Yorkshire in September, which includes an optional Pinot Noir masterclass, utilizing the Society's nascent but developing video capabilities to showcase the region.  This weekend is open to all members.  The Americas, not to be left behind, celebrated a New Orleans Getaway in March, a short weekend featuring wine, food and friends in great venues.  A highlight was the awarding of the André Simon Gold Medal to Council Treasurer and longtime Americas member Dwight Catherwood (see Our Awards).  The upcoming highlight of the Americas year will be a Rhine River and Castle Cruise, a bucket list week in August.  As you can see, the regions have all been busy, and are fleshing out plans for 2025 as we speak.  These festivals are mostly open to all Society members, and it is incumbent upon us to applaud our volunteers who contribute countless hours toward producing these stellar life memories, a benefit of membership.

Please look out, in your inbox, for our Cognac offer available exclusively for all members around the world which was spearheaded by the Americas under the lead of Neal Vitale. 

Your International Council continues to meet at least twice a year, with formats ranging from in-person to hybrid to Zoom, as best accommodates everyone's schedules. The next meeting will be a hybrid in Hong Kong.  Additionally, Council has commissioned an outstanding monograph this year, ‘The World of Tea’ by Will Battle, launched on May 21st, International Tea Day.  Look for it to arrive soon to your mailbox, along with a sampling of tea.  We also do the boring but necessary, e.g. updating your Articles of Association, which was done last November.

Your ever-improving Vintage Guide is currently in the process of being updated.  Your Wines Committee met in June to discuss the submissions from the outside consultants.  Please remember, the Guide is available on the IWFS Members App on your mobile device.  The regional vintage reports reflect the selfless willingness of these contributors to tap into their vast knowledge base for our benefit.

At the end of the day, our Society thrives thanks to the work done at the branch level by you, our members who watch over our branches and attend the local events that are at the core of our purpose.  On behalf of the Society, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  If I was to make a wish, it is that you will devote the requisite time to preparing your branch for the future.  Succession planning is done in the trenches, and without it, our future is in the balance. 

As I write this, I can't help but notice a consistent theme: unselfish sharing. We compulsively share. We fill each other's lives. It is what we do.  How good is that!  Let's keep it up!

Mike Donohoe
Global Chairman