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Oxford University Wine Society

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The Oxford University Wine Society (OUWS) is a large and sociable student society based at the University of Oxford, England.[1][2] It was founded by Dr Edward Fitzgerald, with the first events held in Michaelmas term 2000.[3] The background to the Society's creation is included in the definitive published history of the Oxford & Cambridge varsity wine tasting competition, Reds, Whites & Varsity Blues, by Jennifer Segal.[4]

Background[edit]

Through weekly term-time tastings OUWS offers members the opportunity to learn from world famous wine makers and visiting experts. The society caters for undergraduates, postgraduates and faculty from all colleges and University departments, from beginner to expert.

The Society regularly hosts some of the world's foremost wineries. Oxford University is also notable for having many of the world's leading wine writers amongst its alumni.[5] Many of the Colleges of the University of Oxford still manage sizeable fine wine cellars below their old buildings, maintained by Fellows and University dons with the honorific title of "Keeper of the Wine" or "Wine Steward". These great wines are frequently available to students and as such the wine tasting culture of Oxford has been described as a phenomenon in itself.[6] Members are mainly students, graduates and University faculty, although non-University members may also be granted membership in line with University rules.[7] The Society is particularly noted within the University for its Beginners' Classes, which aim to teach new students all they need to know about wine.[8]

OUWS won the University Wine Challenge tasting competition in 2002 and 2004 run by the Australian Wine Bureau.[9] Members have taken part in the famous Varsity blind wine tasting match against fellow wine tasters at Cambridge University.[10] Several members of the Society have gone on to act as judges at the International Wine Challenge, which claims to be the world's largest annual wine tasting competition.[11]

The Society was recently in the media spotlight when the former President Christopher Dix, in his capacity as Co-Chair of the Blues Committee, was involved in the failed attempt to recognise competitive wine tasting as a Blue (university sport).[12] "It so beautifully fulfils five of six requirements to become a Blues sport but failed somewhat on the athletic prowess front", as Christopher lightheartedly put it. Other media interest has focused on some of the unique wine tastings hosted by the Society, such as Domaine Faiveley, the famous Burgundian producer, which was covered in depth by the Shuhan News, the largest circulation drinks journal in Japan.[13]

The current Senior Member of the Society is Professor Raphaël Rouquier, Waynflete Professor of Pure Mathematics.

Events[edit]

The late Alois Kracher speaking at Oxford University Wine Society

Guest speakers have included some of the world's most famous wine makers:

OUWS alumni[edit]

Notable alumni include:

OUWS Presidents[edit]

Year Name College
2015–2016 Matthew Fisher St Catherine's
2014–2015 Domen Prešern Exeter
2013–2014 George Corfield Balliol
2012–2013 Chiara Crean St Anne's
2011–2012 Stef Simmons St John's
2010–2011 Alex Linsley Merton
2009–2010 Alex Woodham Hertford
2008–2009 Rob West University
2007–2008 Catherine Lee Magdalen
2006–2007 Christopher Dix St Peter's
2005–2006 William Pearce St Peter's
2004–2005 Mark McDonald Merton
2003–2004 Thomas Heath Corpus Christi    
2002–2003 Beth Shapiro Balliol
2001–2002 Edward Fitzgerald Magdalen
2000–2001     Edward Fitzgerald      Magdalen

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. OUWS website
  2. The Oxford Student newspaper
  3. OUWS: Founding Principles
  4. Segal, Jennifer (2013). Reds, Whites and Varsity Blues. Pavilion Books. p. 223. ISBN 1909108286. Search this book on
  5. Famous Oxonians, University of Oxford, UK
  6. Underground Oxford, by Dr Richard Lofthouse. World of Fine Wine Magazine. Issue 5, 2005. Quarto Group.
  7. Clubs and Societies - Regulations and Notes of Guidance, Oxford University Proctors’ Office
  8. The Cherwell Newspaper
  9. Oxford Today, 2002(15:3)
  10. Report on the 2006 match from the Daily Telegraph, 1 April 2006
  11. Judges — International Wine Challenge
  12. Decanter magazine
  13. Shuhan News 2004, February issue 2月1日号別冊

External links[edit]


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