International Associated Women In WineInternational Associated Women In WineInternational Associated Women In Wine

MAINZ MEETING 13-16 FEBRUARY 2003

The First General Assembly of the "International Federation of Women of Wine" took place in Mainz, Germany on 13th to 16th February 2003

The meeting was organized by "VINISSIMA", the German Association of Women of Wine in conjunction with their major yearly event. Other countries participating were: Spain, Greece, Hungary, Switzerland, France (with two associations), Austria and Italy (as observers).

During the General Assembly, held on Friday 13th February, elections took place and the following board was elected :

  • Spain – President
  • Greece – Vice President
  • Hungary – Secretary
  • Switzerland – Treasurer
  • Germany – Member
  • France – Member
  • Austria – Member

The resolutions of this meeting are as follows:

  • The next meeting will be in Hungary at the beginning of September 2003, in the course of a small Wine Fair. This meeting will be organized jointly by Hungary and Austria.
  • The opening of a new bank account by the Treasurer where each member will deposit € 150 per year.
  • The signing of the minutes by all the members of the board and their return to the president.
  • The creation of a logo for the Federation.
  • The issuing of a yearly bulletin containing news of the Federation and of the other member Associations.
  • Enlargement of the Federation by the entry of other countries, such as Argentina, Chile, Australia etc.

The three-day visit organized by ‘Vinissima" included:

  • A tour of the old town of Mainz
  • A lecture by Prof. Monica Christmann on "Wine, the Conflict between Tradition and Innovation"
  • Dinner in an exceptional restaurant for the European Visitors
  • A one-day Excursion to German wine growing areas (Rheingau/Reinhessen), courtesy of the German Wine Institute, Mainz.
  • Press conference in Oppenheim for the members of International Federation of Women of Wine with interviews to journalists and radio stations.
  • This three day visit concluded with a FORUM (in Oppenheim SLVA) about "European Wine : Lost Opportunities in the Home Markets?" Which was open to the public. There followed a Wine Tasting of German – Greek – French – Spanish and Hungarian wines.

The meeting was very well organized by our member Vinissima, and it was really an interesting experience meeting with the all women of the industry at the FORUM, where we exchanged a lot of ideas and experiences for wine making.