Origins and Objectives - The Wine Guild of the United Kingdom

Origins

Standard bearing the crest of the Wine Guild of the United Kingdom On a visit to France in 1980, Lord Montagu of Beaulieu was challenged by the Marquis de Goulaine, Grand Master of the Bretvins (the distinguished order of the Loire), on the absence of the United Kingdom as a member of La Fédération Internationale des Confréries Bachiques (FICB). The Federation then had a membership of 47 Orders, Chapters and Guilds from ten nations. After much discussion and consultation it was decided that the United Kingdom should apply for membership.

The application was sponsored by the Bretvins and subsequently approved by the Federation. With financial help from the wine industry in the UK - and in particular from Allied-Lyons (now Allied-Domecq) - The Wine Guild of the United Kingdom was formed in July 1983. It was incorporated as a non-profit making company limited by guarantee and without a share capital.

Objectives

As a brotherhood of wine lovers the Guild aims to share the enjoyment and appreciation of wine by communicating and promoting knowledge and understanding of the many wines from all parts of the world and especially those of the United Kingdom.

Photo of someone holding a glass of red wine In its ceremony the Guild reflects the traditions of Craft Guilds of Mediaeval Europe but it is modern in the exercise of its aims. The Guild fulfils its aims through its membership and its social activities and through the establishment of wine scholarships and annual awards.

It organises a variety of Functions. These include:
  • Winter and Anniversary Banquet
  • A Harvest Festival every other year
  • An annual trip to a wine growing area.
    (In the past we have been to various parts of France and Spain, Hungary, South Africa and the U.S.A. amongst others)
  • An educational programme of wine tastings hosted by various Masters of Wine often examining wines from a region or from particular grape varieties
In addition to its functions the Guild:-
  • Has its own Charitable Trust (Charity)
  • Produces a Guide to English Vineyards
  • Is the sole UK Member of La Fédération Internationale des Confréries Bachiques (FICB) and will be hosting the Annual Congress in London in 2008 - see International Connections