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. These 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).
From 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 world 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.
That is exactly what the IWSS is for! Our core mission is to take the confusion out of the world of wine and spirits by allowing people to experience a wide range of what is on offer. We host twelve tastings each year—six in Edinburgh and six in Glasgow—where you can try 7 or 8 different drinks side by side in a relaxed, friendly environment. It’s a great way to build your confidence and palate, and you should definitely come along to our next scheduled tasting.
Our events follow an informal, guided format. We start with an introduction, and then we try each drink one at a time while a guest speaker explains its origins, unique features, and UK availability. Drinks are poured in sensible portions (about a third of a standard measure), and we provide mineral water and spittoons at every table. After the official vote of thanks and a gift presentation to our speaker, many attendees head to a local bar to continue the conversation—and everyone is welcome to join us!
Yes! Unlike many traditional tasting organizations, the IWSS actively covers spirits and even cocktails alongside our wine events. While we ensure a balanced schedule with only one or two dedicated spirits sessions a year to accommodate all palates, our events range from blind celebrity wine tastings to deep dives into diverse spirits. You are more than welcome to check out our upcoming schedule and attend a tasting that catches your eye.
We would love to have you join our community! The IWSS was founded all the way back in 1963 by individuals who wanted to maintain regular contact and share their appreciation of wine. We host a regular circuit of twelve annual tastings split equally between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Because our venues are specifically chosen to be within easy walking distance of major railway stations and bus stops, traveling between the cities to catch every event is highly convenient. Becoming a member gives you a front-row seat to this vibrant, long-standing community.
Absolutely. While our 12 guided tastings form the backbone of our yearly calendar, being a member of the IWSS lets you indulge your appreciation for great drinks paired with excellent food. We host a variety of highly anticipated social events throughout the year, including an Annual Dinner, a Wine Weekend, and a Summer Lunch. Joining the institute unlocks access to this full social calendar.
We are always looking for high-caliber guest presenters to share their passion and knowledge! Over the years, our floor has been shared by Masters of Wine, winemakers, distillers, spirit blenders, specialist retailers, consultants, and passionate trade or member experts. If you would like to run a themed session—whether structured around a specific region, grape variety, supplier, or production style—we would love to hear from you. Please contact our president directly by email at president@iwsscotland.org to discuss getting your idea onto our event calendar.
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 aims of the Institute emphasised the desire to provide an educational function:
The IWSS provides a highly engaged, knowledgeable audience of wine and spirits enthusiasts. We regularly host industry leaders ranging from independent importers to Masters of Wine.
Present to a dedicated membership base in Scotland's two major cities.
Join a roster of past speakers that includes Masters of Wine (Amanda Barnes MW, Mark O'Bryen MW, Claire Blackler MW, Richard Bampfield MW), international winemakers (Kamil Barczentewicz, Andy Cook), and leading UK merchants (Corney & Barrow, Hatch Mansfield, Nyetimber).
We accommodate traditional regional deep-dives, interactive blind tastings (e.g., "The Judgement of Glasgow"), thematic explorations (e.g., Climate Change and Organic Wine), and food pairing masterclasses.
Wines of Poland, Uruguay Uncorked, Czech Wines, Macedonian indigenous varieties.
Climate Change adaptation, Technology, Wild Ferments, Bio-dynamism, Vegan wine production.
In the past we have covered Gin, Rum, Cocktails and, of course, Whisky
Bordeaux, Burgundy Cru, Sancerre, Chianti Classico.
We have held tasting paring wines with cheese, artisnal bread and EV olive oil.
The IWSS has a broad membership with interests across the drinks industry.
The IWSS is run by a 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.
