Welcome to the Online home of the
German Wine Society
The German Wine Society is a private, nonprofit, educational organization founded in 1977 for people who want to learn more about German wine. With local chapters in Washington D.C., San Francisco, and the Delaware Valley — plus at-large members nationwide — the Society hosts tastings, dinners, and seminars where members can taste, learn about, and discuss German wines together. Annual membership is $35 per individual or couple, with a one-time $10 initiation fee for a GWS medallion.
About Us
The German Wine Society is dedicated to improving knowledge of German wines and conducting events at which such wines are shared and appreciated. The Society is private, educational and not for profit.
Annual dues are currently $35 per individual or couple, and there is also a one-time initiation fee of $10 per person for a GWS medallion.
Our Goals
- To promote the understanding, appreciation and knowledge of German wines
- To assist members in their continuing education about German wines
- To sponsor tastings, seminar, dinners and other meetings to enhance the appreciation of German wines, alone and when paired with food
German Wine
We are pleased to provide some basic reference material on German wine regions, and key grape varietals. There are maps and pictorials.
Burg Landshut castle and the Schlossberg vineyard
overlooking Bernkastel-Kues [Mosel]
Copyright © www.cephas.co.uk and Nigel Blythe.*
History
Efforts to bring together those who enjoy German wine in the US were not made until 1977. At that time, the growing numbers of Americans who had attended the German Wine Academyin Geisenheim demanded the formation of a society of oenophiles devoted to the wines of Germany, similar to those existing for lovers of the wines of Burgundy, Bordeaux, Alsace and Italy. The foremost of these societies originated in the mid-thirties, for the express purpose of promoting the wines of their areas at a time when Americans having just lived through Prohibition, had little knowledge of the fine wines of the world. Germany, on the other hand, produces fine wines in small quantities, and her export of them was of little importance to an industrial nation.
Latest Events
Details of scheduled national and chapter events can be obtained by clicking the links at below.
Upcoming Events 2026
Past Events 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the German Wine Society?
The German Wine Society is a private, educational, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the understanding, appreciation, and knowledge of German wines through tastings, dinners, and seminars.
When was the German Wine Society founded?
The Society was founded in 1977, when 83 graduates of the German Wine Academy in Geisenheim were formally inducted at a ceremony at the German Embassy in Washington, D.C.
How do I join?
You can join in two ways: as a chapter member through your nearest local chapter, or as an at-large member through the National Office if no chapter is near you. Email info@germanwinesociety.org or visit our Join page for details.
What's included with membership?
Members can attend chapter tastings, dinners, and seminars, receive updates on German wine events, and vote in the election of National directors. At-large members may also attend chapter events when visiting a chapter location.
How much does membership cost?
Annual dues are $35 per individual or couple, plus a one-time $10 initiation fee per person for a GWS medallion.
Where are the chapters located?
The Society currently has chapters in Washington, D.C. (Capital Chapter), San Francisco, and the Delaware Valley (Philadelphia/South Jersey).Members in other areas can join as at-large members through the National Office.
Can I start a new chapter?
Yes. The Society welcomes new chapters wherever there’s a group of interested members. Contact the National Office at info@germanwinesociety.org to learn how.
Do I need to be an expert on German wine to join?
No. The Society welcomes anyone with a sincere interest in learning about German wines, regardless of experience level.
Ready to Join Us?
Become part of a community of German wine lovers across the country. Membership starts at $35 a year and gives you access to chapter tastings, dinners, and seminars near you — or as an at-large member if there's no chapter in your area yet.