The Wine Society
The Wine Society is the world's oldest member-owned community of wine lovers, founded in 1874 and selling wine to its members.
Last updated September 15, 2026
AI crawler reads
No AI crawler has read this profile since Oct 28, 2026.
Overview
The Wine Society describes itself as the world's oldest member-owned community of wine lovers, founded in 1874 and operating on a member-first basis that puts members before profit. Membership is a £40 lifetime fee that includes free UK delivery on every order, expert-curated bottles and the Society's Promise. Its range includes Society wines (the Society and Exhibition ranges), Fine Wine, and in-bond wine, and it also offers export services to the Channel Islands.
History
The Wine Society traces its origins to the summer of 1874, when a special parcel of Portuguese wine lay undiscovered in the cellars of the Royal Albert Hall while one of a series of International Exhibitions was taking place above. The Portuguese growers who had shipped their wines for the show were upset, and swift action was taken to avoid a diplomatic incident. The founders were Royal Albert Hall architect Major-General Henry Scott and R. Brudenell Carter, a renowned ophthalmic surgeon. Scott and Brudenell set up a series of special lunches where the Portuguese wines were tasted; these were such a success that they decided to set up a special organisation for wine lovers to try the best international wines at the fairest prices, with the objective 'To introduce foreign wines hitherto unknown'. The Society states that over 145 years later it upholds the same pioneering spirit and founding belief that good wine from around the world shouldn't cost the earth. In 1902 it signed a lease on cellars in Hills Place, and in 1910 the London Palladium was built above those cellars.
Products and positioning
Member-owned community of wine lovers putting members before profit to ensure fairer bottle prices.
Society wines
Fine Wine
In-bond wine
Recent events
The Wine Society launches specialist fine wine service[5]
Reported:
The Wine Society launched its specialist fine wine service, first announced in September last year, to support members in choosing, buying and cellaring fine wine. The service is led by head of fine wine Alex Turnbull and offers personalised advice, access to rare parcels and mature wines, First Release and En Primeur allocations, and Members' Reserves support.
Sources5 sources
Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/the-wine-society · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled