Purpose and Aims

Beiträge - Gesellschaft

The Society for the History of Wine has two aims that are represented equally in our statute; however, they are also related like cause and effect: The Society aims at strengthening general historical consciousness by researching the history of wine.

This aim reflects our conviction that wine culture is part of occidental history and that it is not restricted to the past but can also contribute substantially to the present time.

The Society for the History of Wine wants to unite all those who are interested in wine and its history. It offers a strictly scientific programme in cooperation with authorities, the "Versuchs- und Lehranstalten für Weinbau" (Societies of Viticulture), libraries, archives, museums, and publishing houses. It is also joined in friendship with organisations of viticulture and winetrade and producers of sparkling wine and brandy. At the same time the Society tries to establish wine culture as a vivid or even natural element of our present-day cultural life by fostering sociable contacts among its members.

Every wine friend can become a member. Persons who are willing to contribute to our scientific research are especially welcome. Research encompasses the history of wine and sparkling wine in different cultures and among different peoples, traditions concerning wine, illustrations of wine and grapes, legislation concerning wine and many more fields in which wine has become important in connection with human life.

Research results are available in the "Schriften zur Weingeschichte" which our members get free of charge. Further copies can be purchased at prices stated in the "Schriftenreihe"-section.

Thanks to the support of our members we were able to accumulate some valuable collections such as a scientific library held in trust by the "Forschungsanstalt Geisenheim". The library is open to all members but is used for teaching and research purposes as well. There is also a collection of coins and medals with wine motives (on permanent loan to the Museum of Wine Culture in Deidesheim), a collection of wine labels, a collection of stamps and ex-libris and a collection of wine lists from restaurants.

Members receive three to four messages a year containing book reviews, reports about organized events (usually two per year, including the annual conference usually held in April or May). Moreover, we offer scientific lectures and provide opportunities to get to know the areas where wine is grown or to socialize with other wine friends and last not least enjoy some wine.

You can easily become a member by submitting the declaration of accession to our chairman and paying the membership fee.

Annual membership fees are:

€ 40,- for regular members
€ 5,- for partners who do not claim to receive their own copy of the "Schriftenreihe"
€ 5,- for people in full-time education

Membership fees are due at the beginning of the year and are collected by direct debit. Members who join us during the year have to pay the full fees but receive in return all the "Mitteilungen" and "Schriften" already delivered.