The Golden Gate Wine Society was founded in 1973 in San Francisco. The purpose of our venerable society is to further the education of its members in the production and enjoyment of excellent wines. Our Society meets monthly for lunch or dinner in San Francisco, in the belief that the appreciation and discernment of fine wines is best coupled with wonderfully prepared meals and carefully cultivated friendships. Our proximity to the great wine making areas of California has given us an unparalleled opportunity to invite to our monthly meetings distinctive and distinguished winemaking professionals who have contributed to the rise to prominence of California wines.

In addition, though California has been our main focus, we also venture forth to other regions and countries in order to continually expand our exposure and knowledge. There have been frequent member-led educational field trips to select wineries in California, Oregon and Washington as well as periodic visits to the Viticulture and Enology Department at UC Davis. Society members have also planned tours to several of Europe’s most important wine growing areas including Burgundy, Piedmont, Bordeaux and others. 

Each year we conduct a “Taste-off” competition with a carefully selected theme which culminates in our awarding one winery our “Wine of the Year”. In 2024 we will be focusing our attention on Global Meritage Blends.