THE WINE GUILD OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

Lord Edward John Barrington Douglas-Scott-Montagu, the 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu (1926–2015), was a distinguished British peer renowned for his contributions to heritage preservation, motoring history, and the wine industry. He served as the inaugural Chancellor of the Wine Guild of the United Kingdom from 1983, playing a pivotal role in promoting wine appreciation and education across the nation.

The Wine Guild is a non-profit membership association devoted to the promotion of the wine industry, as well as the development of wine knowledge among both professionals and amateurs. We are based in London with many influential members. They include private connoisseurs and collectors of fine wines, wine writers, and passionate amateurs. Our current Chancellor is Viscount Thurso.

The Wine Guild of the United Kingdom stands as a distinguished organization that embodies the rich heritage and enduring passion for wine within the UK. Established to promote the appreciation, understanding, and knowledgeable enjoyment of wine, the Guild serves as a beacon for wine enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and industry professionals alike.

Through its various activities, including tastings, educational events, and social gatherings, the Wine Guild fosters a community of like-minded individuals united by their love for wine. It aims not only to elevate the wine culture within the United Kingdom but also to support the wine industry by encouraging informed consumption and the discovery of new and exceptional wines. As a guardian of wine traditions and an advocate for innovation, the Wine Guild of the United Kingdom plays a pivotal role in enriching the country’s wine landscape, making it an invaluable institution for anyone with a deep appreciation for the art and science of winemaking.

The WGUK was on the verge of disappearing after many years of stagnation, a situation further worsened by the Covid period. Long-standing members drifted away, and the board of directors requested to step down. In 2024, a new leadership team, headed by wine expert Tal Sunderland-Cohen, took the reins and breathed new life into the organisation. They introduced a vibrant programme of activities and attracted dozens of new members, many of them young enthusiasts eager to learn about and enjoy the world of wine.

The WGUK hold various social and educational events each year, including wine tastings, private winery tours, and an annual wine dinner. The Guild also offers a well-known suite of educational courses.

We are also proud supporters of the hospitality industry, with which we have been actively involved from inception. Most recently, we have sponsored the first two International Restaurateurs’ Dinners alongside The Royal Academy for Culinary Arts, raising money for the education of sommeliers and service professionals to learn at the highest standard of their profession.