The Cambridge University Wine Society (CUWS; formerly known as the Cambridge University Wine and Food Society) is a traditional membership club, one of the Registered Clubs & Societies of University of Cambridge, England, founded in 1792.[1][2] The society aims to introduce university students to the world of wine through regular tastings during the academic term, and other activities and events. Membership is open to the public.
A number of past members have entered the international wine trade.[3] Prominent wine writer Hugh Johnson joined as an undergraduate at King's College, Cambridge in the 1950s, with his roommate and fellow member Adrian Cowell.[4] Members participate in the annual Varsity blind wine tasting match, sponsored by champagne house Pol Roger.[5][6][7] and other blind wine tasting competitions.[8][9][10][11] The society and competitions were described in detail in the 2013 book "Reds, Whites & Varsity Blues: 60 years of the Oxford & Cambridge Blind Wine-Tasting Competition".
In January 2013 the Society marked the 350th anniversary of the day diarist Samuel Pepys "drank a sort of French wine called Ho Bryan, that hath a good and most particular taste that I never met with." Pepys graduated from Magdalene College in 1654.[12]
CUWS alumni
Notable alumni include:[13]
- Hugh Johnson, wine writer
- David Peppercorn, wine writer, president of the society (cellarer) in 1952
- Robin Don, Master of Wine[14]
- Julian Jeffs
- John H. Plumb, historian
- Denis Mack Smith, historian
- Tom King, Baron King of Bridgwater
- James Cropper, businessman