South World Wine Society

	About Us and Our History

	The South World Wine Society is non-profit club that is dedicated to creating a greater understanding and appreciation of the wines from Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand and South Africa. We welcome all wine enthusiasts - novices and experts alike. The social atmosphere of our events is friendly and informal. The tasting events are designed to be informative, encouraging an open exchange about wines. Occasionally, winemakers from the feature regions will join us to explain first-hand about their wines. We take great care in selecting venues with the right blend of ambiance for our wine tasting events. And, to add an extra taste dimension, we include hors d'oeuvres that pair well with wines being sampled. Most of our tastings are held in downtown Vancouver at various restaurants.		A view of downtown Vancouver. Unique Wines and Tasting Events Each of the South World countries offers a different combination of climate, terroir, viticulture and varietals. The varying environments allow for the unique characteristics of these wines. Our exclusive sources will allow us to access wines that may not be available in BC, providing our members the opportunity to expand their tasting experience with new wines. We host a variety of events that include tastings of different varietals, regions, wineries or vintages, an informal Summer Solstice tasting, and a culinary Winter Dinner. We trust you will enjoy the friendly atmosphere and develop your taste for wine. If you have any questions, then please feel free to contact any of our Executive Members. I would like to become a member

	What people say about us ...
	"The SWWS not only provides a highly informative evening made up of both professional and passionate non-professionals lecturers, it does this in an atmosphere that is non threatening and in fact, fun." The South World Wine Club offers one of the best opportunities to taste wines that don't often appear on the list at the LDB. I enjoy the congeniality of the many knowledgeable members who attend tastings and am always learning something new. The variety of tastings, combined with a terrific venue, make this one of the "Best Buys" in the City!

	History of the South World Wine Society
	Vancouver's South World Wine Society (SWWS) emerged out of the Cape Wine Society (CWS) in 2000. The Cape Wine Society was founded by Lance Berelowitz and Simon Levin, both ex-South Africans, in 1994. It focused exclusively on the wines of South Africa. Initially this narrow focus was a great success, as South African wine had just reemerged from international sanctions. However, by 1999 it had become increasingly evident that the society needed to reinvent itself in order to remain relevant to its members and the Vancouver wine-drinking public. The decision was made to broaden the club's focus to include the wines of all Southern Hemisphere wine countries. The name was changed to the South World Wine Society. The inaugural SWWS tasting was held on February 17, 2000. Ever since, the SWWS has showcased the wines of Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand and South Africa. It has proved a very popular and durable formula with our members and the broader Vancouver wine community. The South World Wine Society was and remains the first and only wine appreciation club in North America that we are aware of, which focuses exclusively on the wines of the Southern Hemisphere. Today, with Australia near the front of the pack in wine exports to Canada and countries such as South Africa fast catching the wave, the focus on the wines of the Southern Hemisphere is clearly vindicated. Many of the most exciting wines in the world today come from the Southern Hemisphere. The SWWS has always promoted the combination of food and wine, and to this day remains the only wine club in Vancouver that consistently offers food pairings with the wine lineup at our tastings. Previous members of the CWS and SWWS Executive:
	CWS Executive: Lance Berelowitz, co-founder and president Simon Levin, co-founder Jay Oddleifson Sally Holland Patricia Simpson Andrew Keaton Desiree Lundstrom Alan Patterson SWWS Executive 2000/01: Lance Berelowitz - founder and president Frank Leffelaar - Marketing Cedric Carter - Treasurer Carol Forbes - Executive Member Maggie Wealls - Executive Member Kristin Peturson - Executive Member SWWS Executive 2001/02: Gail McBride - President Lance Berelowitz - Cellar Master Cedric Carter - Treasurer Loretta Young - Membership Frank Leffelaar - Marketing Paul Erickson - Pouring Manager Carol Forbes - Executive Member Tom Cox - Industry Representative		SWWS Executive 2002/03: Gail McBride - President Lance Berelowitz - Cellar Master Cedric Carter - Treasurer Frank Leffelaar - Marketing Paul Erickson - Pouring Manager Tom Cox - Industry Representative Roz Mellander - Membership Karl Kliparchuk - Executive Member SWWS Executive 2003/04: Karl Kliparchuk - President Lance Berelowitz - Cellar Master Murray Naiberg - Treasurer Victoria Scudamore - Marketing Paul Erickson - Pouring Manager Paul Watkin - Industry Representative Judith Kootte - Membership Karen Mumby - Events Coordinator Gail McBride - Executive Member SWWS Executive 2004/05: Karl Kliparchuk - President Paul Watkin - Cellar Master / Industry Rep. Murray Naiberg - Treasurer Zena Davidson - Marketing Paul Watkin - Industry Representative Judith Kootte - Membership Karen Mumby - Events Coordinator SWWS Executive 2005/06: Karl Kliparchuk - President Paul Watkin - Cellar Master / Industry Rep. Pam Allen - Treasurer Zena Davidson - Marketing Paul Watkin - Industry Representative Denise Foster - Membership Karen Mumby - Events Coordinator

Testimonials

We are looking for some testimonials from our members and guests.

Please send us your comments on tastings, events etc. and tell us what you liked most. With your permission we would like to use them on this site.

Thank You !