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AWS NATIONAL
American Wine Society Mission: To promote the appreciation of wine through education
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, around 200 grape growers, home winemakers, and wine lovers gathered at Dr. Konstantin Frank’s vineyard on Keuka Lake near Hammondsport, NY for the AWS’ initial meeting. In December of the same year, the thirteen charter members, led by Founder Dr. Konstantin Frank, met to determine the organizational structure of AWS and elect officers. Today, the American Wine Society is the largest consumer-based wine education organization in North America.
In the early days, AWS members were located primarily in the eastern part of the country. As the society grew, chapters were established throughout the eastern U.S., then into the south and midwest, and finally into the western states. Today, the American Wine Society has thousands of members that participate in chapters across the U.S.
The emphasis of AWS has also evolved through the years as the organization reached more and more wine lovers. AWS was focused primarily on American wines in the early years, but great wine can be made anywhere and today, AWS members want to learn about wines from all corners of the globe.
Each fall, AWS hosts both commercial and amateur wine competitions, using AWS-certified wine judges to provide a consistent, objective evaluation of each wine. The amateur wine competition started in 1975 and the commercial competition in 1986, making them some of the longest-running wine competitions in the US.
AWS also hosts a three-day national conference in the fall with two full days of educational seminars. Winery owners, wine educators, and renowned wine makers are selected to present sessions during this national event. In addition, a program educating members to become AWS-certified wine judges is conducted on the day preceding the seminars.
If you are interested in wine, we encourage you to join the American Wine Society on the national level and do your local wine tastings at a local chapter of AWS.
Membership is open to anyone interested in wine and over 21 years of age.
2025 AWS National Convention - Chantilly, VA
The 2025 AWS National Convention was held at the Westfields Marriott Dulles in Chantilly, VA, from November 6-8. Approximately 140 of the 550 members who attended were there for the first time.
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13 members of the North Wake Chapter attended various events and sessions.
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On Thursday evening, 29 Wineries from the state of VA shared tastings. Chris Pearmund of Pearmund Cellars/Vintage Hill Craft Winery/Effingham Manor & Winery was a primary sponsor of the event. Our own Jay Davis worked there many moons ago, and jumped in to help pour their delicious wines each evening.
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During each of the 7 session times, we had our choice of 7 different presentations = 49 possible sessions to choose from. Most featured tastings of 6-8 different wines. One featured Women Winemakers from Virginia. Others: NY Cabernet Francs, Petit Manseng, Wines of the Ukraine, from Walla Walla, from Arizona, from Colorado, from Austria, from the Medoc, from 3 Pinot Noir Regions, and 22 years of Barolos! Other sessions featured Cider, Whiskey, and even Mead tastings. Bottles of wine were served with each meal, including two different bubbles at Friday's breakfast and interesting wines from Macedonia at Saturday’s lunch.
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On Friday evening, 32 wineries set up their tables for the Conference Showcase Reception. We enjoyed visiting with Gloria and Stephen Reustle, who had visited our chapter last February. One of busiest tables was Caymus, who featured their newer wines from the Suisun Valley.
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Our former Chapter Chair, Jay Davis, had the winning ticket for the AWSEF Raffle - 6 liters of Banfi wine! (At the same time, they also announced the completion of our North Wake Chapter's $3500 scholarship.)
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Next year’s event will be held from October 22-24 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront in Florida.
2024 AWS National Convention - Winston-Salem, NC
There were around 600 members in attendance at the 2024 AWS National Convention that was held in Winston-Salem, NC on November 1-3, 2024. Approximately 200 were first-time attendees.
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On Friday evening, dozens of NC wineries shared tastings. They did a fantastic job representing the growth of wines in our state.
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30 members participated from our chapter. Next year, the convention will not be too far away in Virginia so hopefully, we can attend it again next year!
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Most of the 7 sessions I attended featured 6-8 wine tastings. I enjoyed helping to set up the rooms, greet people, and pour and taste a wonderful variety of wines. Other sessions also featured port and sake.
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The presenters were excellent and shared their information with energy and expertise.
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Our former Chapter Chair, Jay Davis, was recognized as the "Chapter Chair of the Year" during the Sunday night Gala event. We were so proud of him, and we all cheered with enthusiasm!
It was an amazing event and I encourage others to attend next year's event!