Wednesday, April 15, 2009

American Wine Society





















  • The American Wine Society is a national, non profit consumer organization devoted to educating people on all aspects of wine. Its members are wine novices, experts, grape growers, amateur and professional winemakers, restaurateurs, and anyone who wants to learn more about the appreciation of wine and food.

Once CookAppeal, LLC was up and running almost four years ago in the Princeton area she tried to start her own wine tasting business. I found due to strict ABC laws in this state; unless held them in BYO, or licensed restaurants and with the high cost of liability insurance I just decided to step down. I was already busy with a booming catering and staffing service. My hopes were up that some other groups might begin to pop up. There definitely was an interest here in New Jersey.

Shorty after wards and to our surprise there was an announcement in the papers about the AWS coming to the Princeton, NJ area. My husband's love of socializing along with the wine aspect, was a shoe in for the two. There has been no disappointments throughout our present membership in the NJ Princeton Charter. Our very first event was a 'Chocolate & Wine Tasting', and every one was very accommodating and friendly! What I like about someone else wearing the wine shoes is that the AWS fee cover the high cost of insurance required for the events, not to mention so much more listed below.

  • Join an AWS Charter in your area
  • Once you receive confirmation you will sign up for next months event
  • Each month is hosted in a new location- Members homes or restaurant
  • The host chooses the theme and menu
  • Before leaving event you pay the host(s) a fee that covers cost of the wine and or food if not held in a restaurant location.
American Wine Society Information:

As it was in the beginning (1962), 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.

  • Join an AWS Charter in your area
  • Once you receive confirmation you will sign up for next months event
  • Each month is hosted in a new location- Members homes or restaurant
  • The host chooses the theme and menu
  • Before leaving event you pay the host(s) a fee that covers cost of the wine and or food if not held in a restaurant location.
Benefits

Membership is open to any interested person - wine enthusiast, professional wine maker, amateur wine maker, grape grower, and curious novice - anyone who wants to learn more about wine!

AWS Member Benefits include:

• Participation in local chapter activities
• Participation in local, regional, and national events, including national conference
• Membership card and certificate
• Quarterly American Wine Society Journal
• Quarterly AWS Newsletter
• Technical manuals, bulletins, videos, and vintage charts
• Wine Judge Certification Program
• National Tasting Project
• Winemaking competitions
• AWS Education Foundation
• AWS Insurance Program
• Discounts at participating wineries (with AWS membership card)

Next Event (Princeton Chapter): Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 p.m.
Wine Theme: Cabernet Sauvignon (appellation to be determined.)
Menu: Brunch and a lighter fare (to be determined, and I will be consulting)

Once you become a member in my area, the information for events will be emailed to attendees by Joseph Broski, Regional V.P., American Wine Society