We have a simple philosophy that is all to do with expanding our knowledge and enjoyment of wines and spirits.
We hold twelve tastings each year, six in Edinburgh and six in Glasgow — see our Venues — which take the format of an informal guided tasting where our guest speaker shares their knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm for their wines or spirits with us.
Over the years we have been very fortunate to be able to attract a very high calibre of speaker. Not only have we had over 50 Masters of Wine, including Jancis Robinson & Rose Murray-Brown, but also winemakers such as Johnny Hugel and Miguel Torres as well as Whyte & McKay Master Blender Richard Paterson. We continue to strive to maintain this high standard of guest presenter.
In addition to our usual meetings we also indulge our appreciation of delicious wines with good food by having an Annual Dinner, a Wine Weekend, and a Summer Lunch. See details of the current year's Calendar.
We hope that you like what you see and would like to join us.
Typically taking in 7 or 8 different wines allowing an opportunity to compare wines side by side. These are usually themed by grape variety, producer, supplier, or region.
Unlike many tasting organisations, the IWSS also covers spirits and cocktails. The opportunity to try something different is always embraced.
The IWSS organises short breaks to allow a more in-depth study. Sometimes these are weekends away in country hotels and sometimes trips abroad. The IWSS maintains strong links with the wine festival in Lauffen in Germany.
Central Scotland is small but diverse in its tastes. The Institute runs tastings in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. It has active members in both great cities, and members are encouraged to attend in both (with no more peak fares on the train it is cheaper and easier to travel than ever, and we often travel together).
For producers to consumers, from wholesalers to retailers, and from sommeliers to connoisseurs — the IWSS is of interest to all.
Introduce your products to a diverse group of retailers and consumers in Scotland.
An opportunity to try something different or something new, or something you might never get the chance to try again.
Showcase your portfolio to retailers and sommeliers, by demonstrating your products to a varied range of consumers.
Meet producers, wholesalers, and consumers; and find out how their opinions vary and interact.
What's trending in the world of drinks? Keep up to date with current tastes and products.
An opportunity to enjoy something special, and an opportunity to try some things you might not otherwise try. Take the mystery out of the parts of the winelist you would normally venture into.
In pursuit of its goals in education and enjoyment for the public and all those involved in the wines and spirits trade, the IWSS has a range of membership options.
£100
Billed annually
£180
Billed annually
£30
Paid on the Night
The mission of the IWSS is to take the confusion out of the work of wine and spirits by allowing people to experience the range of what is on offer. So, if you have any further questions about our tastings, please get in touch.
The usual format is an introduction, then trying each drink one at a time, with an explanation of its origins, features, and availability. The drinks are usually poured in what amounts to about 1/3 of a standard measure. The meeting finishes with intimations, a vote of thanks, presentation of the speakers gift. After the meeting some of the members head off to a bar for further discussions (everyone is welcome to participate). Mineral water and spittoons are available on each table.
This can be retailers, wholesalers, enthusiasts, commercial suppliers, consultants, producers, or members of the Institute.
Nobody likes everything. The committee endeavours to ensure a balance, and to this end there are usually only one or two tastings of spirits in a year.
The abolition of peak-time rail fares allows members full flexibility in travel. The location of the tastings is within easy walking distance of railway stations and bus stops
Generally, no. This is due to licensing regulations. Where wines are available in this country there is often an opportunity to make an order for delivery.
Please contact the president by email (president@iwsscotland.org)
Looking for an awesome and reliable webhosting? Try DreamHost. Get $50 off when you sign up with the promocode styleshout.
The seeds of the Institute were first sown in September 1960 when the former students of the "Wine Classes of the School of Salesmanship" decided that they wished to maintain contact and to discuss the merits and demerits of wines.
The students formed what was then known as the "Edinburgh Wine and Spirit Study Group". Leon Stelmack was elected President, and in recognition of his services to the students, George Henry Smith was appointed Honorary President.
On 30 April 1963, the Institute of Wines, Spirits, and Ales came into being as the only body in Scotland that set out to actively promote the interest of wine and spirits from an educational viewpoint.
In 1971, the first west of Scotland meeting was held in Glasgow.
The original objectives of the Institute emphasised the desire to provide an educational function:
The IWSS is run by committee. All posts on the committee are re-elected each year.
The Institute has been able to attract Presidents from many of the leading companies in the Scottish Wine and Spirit Trade. We remain indebted to them for their hard work over the years.