History and Purpose of The Society
The Society of Medical Friends of Wine (SMFW) was established in 1939. It had 12 founding members, including such prominent physicians as Herbert C Moffitt and Langley Porter. Dr Charles Pierre Mathe, the first president, supplied the society’s name, drawing inspiration from "Les Médecins amis des Vins de France", a Bordeaux society founded in 1932. The vision for SMFW was to bring doctors from the Northern California area together to stimulate scientific research on wine and to develop an understanding of wine’s beneficial effects. The society was also intended to encourage an appreciation of the conviviality and the good fellowship that is a part of the relaxed and deliberate manner of living that follows the proper use of wine. In its early years, Leon D. Adams, a reporter and noted authority on the Wines of America, served the society as its Executive Secretary and played a key role in recruiting new members. Adams actively contributed to organizing events, including memorable dinners and tours, such as the notable 1974 visit to renowned wineries in France and Spain. Later in his life, Adams held the position of Executive Secretary Emeritus of the society, dedicating a total of more than 50 years to serving the organization.
The Society of Medical Friends of Wine is now in its 86th year! Given the great changes in the wine industry, medicine, and the economic climates, that’s a remarkable achievement. The Society is one of the oldest wine groups in the country. But we’re about more than just wine tasting. The organization typically has 4–5 wine and food paired dinners a year plus guided tastings of varietals of wine and of wine and cheese. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the society has held some of its events virtually. It also resumed having in-person events in 2021.
SMFW is a 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to education about the health aspects of moderate consumption of wine. We have provided research grants to qualified investigators to study the medical effects of wine consumption.
Most members are physicians, dentists, and other health professionals, but membership is open to all who share our interests and goals. Guests of members are welcome at Society events as space permits.
Applications for membership from interested individuals are gladly accepted; click on the button below for an electronically submissible form. Membership applications may also be requested from our executive secretary or from members of the society. We appreciate your interest in our society and hope you will consider joining us.
