History

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.

The American Wine Society Today

As it was in the beginning, the American Wine Society is still an informational and educational organization. The founders defined the appreciation of domestic wines and the production of wine by home winemakers as major purposes of the Society. But today, the organization’s focus is much broader.

While the Society still emphasizes the appreciation of American wines and fosters competitions for amateur winemakers, its scope extends to educating people on all aspects of wine. Members today learn about wines from all of the world’s wine producing countries and evaluate them for their quality. Members travel in Society-sponsored trips to wine-growing regions, learn the latest in grape-growing methods, study to become certified wine judges, are knowledgeable about wine and food, and appreciate the responsible use of wine.

In addition to increasing its publications, the American Wine Society Educational Foundation was established in 1993 to provide college scholarships for individuals studying for a career in the wine industry.

Growth is a one-word definition of the Society today. With a few fluctuations over the years, membership multiplied from the initial 200 of yesteryear to nearly 5,000 at present. Members now come from not only the United States, but Canada, and 11 other countries.

The number of states represented in the American Wine Society increased from 9 to 47, and the number of regions also grew, from the original 8 to 15. Today, there are more than 110 AWS chapters operating across the country.

AWS Past Presidents

Albert W. Laubengayer	1967-1970
Robert A. Dickman	1971-1972
Carl W. Damoth	1973-1974
Jerry S. Miller	1975-1976
Kathryn Froelich	1977-1978
Joseph P. Nardone	1979-1980
John M. Hasson	1981-1982
Michael A. Farren	1983-1984
Lewis H. France, Jr.	1985-1986
Thomas C. Iezzi, Jr.	1987-1988
Alton L. Long	1989-1990
Stephen R. Kampers	1991
J. Randy Hurteau	1992
Alcide L. Porell	1993
George E. Wilson	1994
Kenneth P. Brewer	1995
Raymond A. Hartung, Jr.	1996
Eugene J. Spaziani	1997
Gary C. Pavlis	1998
Gayle M. Darugh	1999
Charles E. Hastings	2000
Pamela J. Davey	2001
William H. Eisberg	2002
Frank C. Aquilino	2003
Willis L. Parker	2004

Tom Castronovo 2005

Janice Cobett 2006

A Tribute to Angel E. Nardone

Angel Nardone served diligently as the American Wine Society's executive director for 22 years from 1982 through 2003. She also served as Publisher of the AWS Journal and the News through 2006. The Society is eternally grateful for her guidance and leadership during her tenure.