About
The American Wine Society was organized in 1967 as a non-profit, educational, consumer-oriented organization for those interested in learning more about all aspects of wine. On October 7, 1967, a group of some two hundred wine enthusiasts gathered at Dr. Konstantin Frank's vineyard on Keuka Lake near Hammondsport, NY for the AWS' initial meeting.
Through a system of a board of directors, an executive director, regional vice presidents, and chapter chairman, the Society has grown into a nation-wide organization of amateur grape growers, winemakers, and wine appreciators interested in learning more about the history, production, appreciation, and use of wines. The Society has also attracted wine educators and professionals in wine related sciences, as well as the wine trade itself, extending the Society to a much broader membership base than most other wine clubs.
In 1973, the Society was incorporated in the state of Michigan, and the bylaws legally established the terms of office and the various officers of the Society. The bylaws were later changed to include seven members of the board. This governing body consists of a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, two directors-at-large, and an executive director. In the spring of 1974, the first Journal was published, replacing the "Vintage Newsletter" published by the AWS from the spring of 1969 through the winter of 1973.
The AWS Journal features authoritative articles on all aspects of wine knowledge, receiving much acclaim not only from the membership but from academic institutions, and the media as well. The Journal is catalogued by the Library of Congress and is also on file at the US Department of Agriculture and other technical libraries.
The American Wine Society also publishes unique special bulletins and manuals for grape growers, winemakers, and wine appreciators. All members receive all AWS publications without additional charge.
Each year the Society hosts a three-day conference at which an amateur and commercial wine competition is held along with 2 days of educational seminars. Also, a program educating members to become certified AWS wine judges is conducted on the Thursday preceding the Friday and Saturday seminars.
Conferences are held in a city where a group of members, usually associated with a chapter, volunteer to host a conference. Conferences have taken place in cities up and down the East Coast including, some inland cities.
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