The American Wine Society
The American Wine Society was founded 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 organization
structure of AWS and elect officers. Now in its 49th year, the American
Wine Society is the largest consumer based wine education
organization in North America. Membership is open to anyone
interested in wine and over 21 years of age.
In the early days, AWS members were located primarily in the eastern
part of the country. As the society grew , we established chapters
throughout the eastern U.S., then into the south and Midwest, and
finally into western states. Today, the American Wine Society has over
5,000 members in 45 states and 120 chapters across the U.S.
The 59th American Wine Society National Conference in Jacksonville, Florida
Each November (or late October this year) the Society hosts a three-day national conference with
two full days of nearly 50 educational seminars to choose from.
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.
This is the second in a series of postings related to the American Wine
Society National Conference 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida:
The 2026 American Wine Society National Conference in Jacksonville/ Florida/ USA, with Annette and Christian Schiller: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera
Lens
Bordeaux: Iconic Wines and Beyond - Seminar at the American Wine
Society National Conference 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida, led by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours
Alpine Wines: Vine Growing on the Margins - - Seminar at the American Wine
Society National Conference 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida, led by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours
German Wines from the VDP.Rheingau: Annette and Christian
Schiller Pour Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines Tasting of the American Wine
Society National Conference 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida
Late-night Tasting of High-end and Older French and Californian Wines, with about 20 Wines Friends, Including 2 Winemakers - Joel Peterson, the Godfather of
Zinfandel, and Chris Pearmund, Pearmund Cellars, Virginia - at the American Wine
Society National Conference 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida: Part I (Thursday Evening)
Late-night Tasting of High-end and Older French and Californian Wines, with about 20 Wines Friends, Including 2 Winemakers - Joel Peterson, the Godfather of
Zinfandel, and Chris Pearmund, Pearmund Cellars, Virginia - at the American Wine
Society National Conference 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida: Part II (Friday Evening)
The Joy of Wine - Celebrating Wine with Wine Friends: The Great Banquet at the American Wine
Society National Conference 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida