International Wine and Food Society

The International Wine & Food Society Ltd. (formerly the Wine and Food Society) is a not-for-profitgastronomical organization founded in 1933 by André Simon and A.J.A. Symons. According to its website, 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." With branches in Europe, North America, Africa, Australia and Asia, its members host a series of events throughout the year that have included dinners, wine tastings and food appreciation courses. As of 2015, there are over 130 branches and more than 6,500 members worldwide.

Being an influential figure in the English wine trade, Simon had published a number of books on viticulture including In Vino Veritas (1913) and Wine and the Wine Trade (1921) where he wrote: "Wine-making is an art which the genius of discovered at the dawn of the world's history, and which has largely contributed to the well-being of mankind and to the growth of all arts ever since."

With the assistance of his friend A.J.A. Symons, Simon decided to create a society where individuals could come together to appreciate food and wine as an essential part of personal contentment and good health. Meeting for the first time in 1933, the objectives of the Wine & Food Society were:

Also during this time, Simon established and edited a quarterly journal titled Wine and Food, which helped to transform the study of gastronomy before, during and after the Second World War. Sent to members of the society, the influential publication printed articles about the history of wine and food, book reviews and critical assessments of hotels and restaurants.

In 1934 and 1935, Simon traveled to the United States, where prohibition had just ended. During those years, he helped to establish North America's first branches that included New York City, Boston, Chicago and San Francisco. Subsequent trips to Australia and South Africa brought about in an increased membership across the globe, resulting in the organization changing its name to the International Wine & Food Society in 1968.

...
Wikipedia