History

The seeds of the Institute were first sown 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 wine.

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.

Objectives

The original objectives of the Institute emphasised the desire to provide an educational function, as they were to

1. To provide facilities enabling members to extend their knowledge and appreciation of alcoholic beverages with the ultimate object being qualification as a Master of Wine.
2. To arrange lectures.
3. To organise visits which members consider to be beneficial.

List of Past Presidents

The Institute has been able to attract Presidents from many of the leading companies in the Scottish Wine and Spirit Trade, including:

• Current President Marilyn Salmon
• 2006-2008 David Mair Angel Fine Wines
• 2004-2006 I McNeill The Wine Experience
• 2001-2004 A Laird-Craig T M Robertson
• 2000-2001 N Barr Vin Ecosse
• 1999-2000 D Morgan Wine Training Services
• 1998-1999 L Deans Matthew Clark
• 1997-1998 J Harris Alliance Wines
• 1996-1997 G Rule Napier University
• 1995-1996 L Jewell Waverley Vintners
• 1994-1995 D W Manson Griersons
• 1993-1994 N Barr Waverley Vintners
• 1992-1993 J D Lamond Clydesdale Wine & Spirit Co
• 1991-1992 W J Bell H Sichel & Sons
• 1990-1991 W R MacRae J B Reynier
• 1989-1990 J G Williamson Waverley Vintners
• 1988-1989 R J Homewood Glayva Liqueur
• 1987-1988 J R Hernanz Queensway Hotel
• 1986-1987 J Macnaughton Euroscot Wine Ltd
• 1984-1986 D Morgan Gilbeys
• 1982-1984 R C Paterson Whyte & Mackay
• 1980-1982 E H Fellows
• 1979-1980 W Kelly
• 1977-1979 J Christie
• 1974-1976 W H Finlay
• 1973-1974 M L Grant
• 1971-1973 W Kelly
• 1969-1971 W Sandeman
• 1967-1969 J Johnstone
• 1965-1967 J Campbell
• 1962-1965 L Stelmach