The Wine and Food Society of Victoria Inc
Our Society was established on 5th August 1936, when twenty men met to have dinner at the London Hotel. They talked about the correspondence they had had with the President of the Wine and Food Socicty of London, Mr Andre Simon. Three years previously. the well know writer, winc connoisseur, gourmet and historian had established the London organisation and already his enthusiastic endeavours had stimulated four branches in the USA and two more branches in England.
They agreed to interest other friends in the purpose of the Society and hold a second meeting at the Alexander Hotel on 28th September.
At this meeting, it was unanimously agreed to for the Wine and Food Society of Victorian and to seck affiliation with the Wine and Food Society of London. Thus our Socicty became the 8th in the world and the founding Society in Australia. As this affiliation of socictics grew and spread worldwide, it became known at the International Wine and Food Socicty.
The meeting set the joining fee at one guinea and an annual subscription of tio guineas, From this time the Victorian Society grew rapidly. It was refined, elegant, celebratory and fun for all who participated in it. In the first year there were twelve functions: four grand banquets to which ladies and the press were invited, and eight members and gentlemen guest functions in between. This pattern prevailed for many years.
In 1969, a number of wine and food socictics in Australia formed a federated body – the Wine and Food Socicty of Australia. This is now called the Federation of Wine and Food Societies of Australia. The driver of this was Victor Gibson, a past President of the Wine and Food Socicty of Victoria, and be became the first president of this new body. Victor was entrepreneurial and passionate ahout both his local society and the establishment of similar societies throughout Australia.
In 1982, our Society relinquished its membership of the International Wine and Food Socicty, preferring to focus its activities within the Federation.
Today, the Wine and Food Society is strong and prosperous. This is our 1,184th function, we have 48 members plus 9 on Leave of Absence. Our cellar has over 2,800 bottles worth about $250.000
Tonight we are celcbrating our 80th anniversary – 80 years of a wonderful diversity of events organised by the Society. The strength of the Society is really its membership. Tonight, we honour all members who have supported the Society over the years and we particularly respect members who have joined the Committee. Their time, passion, enthusiasm and thoughtfuiness are all key to ensuring our events are dining experiences that are extraordinary. Thank You!
Kind regards- Janet Barton – President of the Wine and Food Society of Victoria Inc
Function 1184
80th Anniversary Dinner – Woodland House
Tuesday, 23rd August 2016
Food & Wine Masters – Nick Galante, Peter Millington & Neil Harrison
NV Krug Champagne
Gougeres
2012 Domaine Morey-Coffiner Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru
2014 Domaine Marc-Antonin Blain Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru
Hapuka baby onion, mushroom, chardonnay sauce
2009 Domaine Gérard Raphet Clos de Beze Grand Cru
2009 Domaines Albert Bichot Clos de la Roche Grand Cru
Poached and Roasted Spatchcock, Chestnut, Mustard
2002 Chateau Palmer
1990 Lindeman’s St George Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra
1985 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Lamb fillet, confit belly, parsnip, sweet garlic, sorrell
1979 Chateau Climens
1980 Chateau Climens
Baked Quince Clafoutis, air dried persimmon & apricot ice cream
1986 Mick Morris Selection Rare Cuvee Muscat, Ruthergien
Coffee & petit fours