50 years of fine wine, food and friendships in York
The first meeting of the York Branch of the International Wine and Food Society.
50 years of fine wine, food and friendships in York The first meeting of the York Branch of the International Wine and Food Society. Check out this story on ydr.com: https://www.ydr.com/story/opinion/2020/01/06/50-years-fine-wine-food-and-friendships-york/2824001001/
Gordon Freireich Published 11:02 a.m. ET Jan. 6, 2020
Fifty years ago, five men – Jacob Frank, Frank Senft, Gerard Melato, John Munnell, and Charles Bowen -- got together to enjoy fine wine and food. It was the first meeting of the York Branch of the International Wine and Food Society.
Originally a male-only organization, half a century later it is still going strong with 35 couples and five individuals meeting on a quarterly basis to enjoy and be educated on food and wine. The friendships that have developed over the years are a bonus.
The York Branch is one of only three IWFS Branches in Pennsylvania. The others are in Philadelphia (which helped sponsor the York Branch) and Bucks County.
The members take turns hosting the events that pair wine and food. Once held in the homes of members, the group now meets at regional restaurants or other venues.
Bruce Williams, a vice president of the York Branch IWFS, says past evenings have had themes such as "A Tale of Two Countries," pairing French wines with English food. Another culinary adventure had a "Titanic" theme to replicate what wine and food would have been served aboard that ship. A third evening: "White Nights," featuring "white wines that not everyone drinks," Williams said.
There is a strong educational component to the wine and food. "As a host, you speak on what you're serving," added Williams who, with his wife, Sharon, have been members for five years.
Dino and Evelyne Pritsios are the longest time active members of the local IWFS, having become members more than 30 years ago. "It's the camaraderie," Pritsios says. "It is very nice getting together, getting to know different wines of the world. From time to time we have speakers (wine experts or IWFS members from other regions). It is very educational."
Bruce Williams (Photo: Submitted)
Rob Bowen, whose father was a founder of the York Branch, agrees. Bowen has been a member for about eight years. "It's mostly a social organization that experiments with different flavors, food, from different countries," he said. Although there have been forays in to "olive oil tasting," Bowen notes the objective is "mostly with foods that pair with wines."
Membership is by invitation. There is an annual dues in addition to the cost of each quarterly event.
And growing the membership is part of the plan for the future, Bruce Williams says.
Growth is "a priority," he adds. "We have one or two couples in their 30s, but the rest are in their 50s and up." He says the York Branch is one of the "smaller branches" in the IWFS organization.
Williams says younger people tend to be in tune "with craft beers," rather than wine. He is hopeful the York Branch can grow to "45 couples and singles membership units" in the near future.
If members are travelling around the country – or the world – they are always welcome to attend IWFS gatherings while visiting other cities, states or countries.
Additional information is available at www.IWFS.org.
At its 50th anniversary, black tie event last fall, the York Branch presented awards to individuals who have served in leadership roles.
So, lift a glass and toast the York Branch of the IWFS on its 50th birthday and its sparkling future.
Gordon Freireich is a former editor of the York Sunday News. Email: gordonaf2805@gmail.com.
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