The six founders of the MWFSS met at a Rothbury Estate Dinner in 1977. They shared a passion for good wine and food and the society membership quickly rose to twenty four like-minded people.

A foundation dinner was held at the Paternoster Club, Glebe on 22 July 1977.  The aim of the society was to promote “the greater appreciation of, and intelligent and dedicated interest in, fine wine and fine food”.

Founding President Ian Arnold

Membership of the Federation of Wine and Food Societies of Australia was conferred in 1977.  In the same year the Society wine cellar was established, with each member holding debentures.

The Society was officially incorporated under the Associations Incorporations Act 1984 on 9 December 1991.  It continues to enjoy an active membership and to fulfil its original mission with dinners, wine tastings, visits to vineyards and other social events.

Our founding President, Ian Arnold, was Wine Master of the MWFSS for over 16 years until his death on 11 August 2016; and he had been President of the Federation of Wine and Food Societies of Australia 2014 – 2016.

Ian was awarded the Victor Gibson Medal of the Federation at the MWFSS President’s Dinner,  9 July 2016. This award is in recognition of the distinguished and meritorious service Ian has provided to the causes of the Federation, primarily through his founding and continuing leadership and mentoring roles within the Metropolitan Wine and Food Society of Sydney since 1977,  his key involvement in the organisation of two Victor Gibson Weekends in 1997 and  2011, his membership of the Federation Committee as Vice President from 2006 to 2014,  and as President of the Federation from 2014 to 2016.

For a detailed history of The Metropolitan Wine and Food Society Sydney Inc. click on the following link: MWFSS Detailed History

In July 2017 the Society celebrated 40 years; for a summary of the history click on the following link: MWFSS 40 Years Anniversary July 2017