Grand Rapids Chapter

American Wine Society

Exploring Wines Together

"All wines should be tasted: some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle."
- Paulo Coelho

Chapter Events

Wine Tasting Events

Wine Tastings

Sip, swirl, and savor the fun as we dive into the delightful world of wine – from quirky characteristics to perfect pairings!

Wine Geek

Get on your inner Geek to explore and learn about wine!

PopUp Experience

Pop in for a whirlwind of fun and discoveries about all things wine! Let the good times roll!

Sign Up For Our Upcoming Events!

Upcoming, Wine Geek

June 28 2025

2025 National Tasting Project: Australia

Upcoming, Wine Tastings

July 22 2025

Amore Trattoria Italiana Wine Dinner

National Conference, Upcoming

November 6 2025

2025 AWS National Conference

Join Us In Our Exploration

Are you a wine enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys discovering new flavors? We’d love for you to join our wine tasting group, where we come together to explore a variety of wines, learn about different regions and varieties, and share our favorite picks in a relaxed and fun environment. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or just starting your wine journey, there’s a spot for you in our group!

Our tastings are a great way to meet like-minded wine lovers, enjoy good conversation, and expand your palate. Each month, we’ll feature a different theme—be it a specific wine region, varietal, or style—and enjoy a casual evening of sipping and learning. If you’re interested, we’d love to have you join us for our next tasting and become a part of our wine-loving community. Cheers!

Explorations With Wine

Our blog dedicated to exploring the world through its wines. Each post takes readers on a flavorful adventure, from hidden vineyards in remote regions to the rich history behind iconic wines. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual sipper, the blog offers tasting notes, travel tips, and stories that inspire a deeper appreciation for wine, food pairings, and the cultures that shape them. Join us as we embark on a journey to savor the world, one glass at a time!

A vineyard on a hill overlooking beautiful Lake Keuka, Finger

Explorations With Wine

My First (Wine) Love – New York Finger Lakes

Craig Willand

1 May 2025

Explorations With Wine

Bliss: Travel, Wine & Anniversaries

Andy Ball

18 Mar 2025

Explorations With Wine

Why I Love Wine: A Sip of Joy in Every Glass

Craig Willand

14 Jan 2025

Budapest Cafe'

Explorations With Wine

Enjoying Wine At A Budapest Cafe’

Sue Ball

29 Sep 2023

We're All In This Together

We are friends with other local chapters of the American Wine Society and share events and fun!  You’ll see their events included in our event calendar.

Any AWS member can become a primary or secondary member of these groups:

  • Western Michigan Chapter
  • Tasters Guild Kalamazoo

Our Partners and Affiliates

A heartfelt thank you to all the professional member and locally owned businesses that support our organization. Your generosity and commitment make a lasting impact, allowing us to continue our work and serve our community. By partnering with us, you help foster growth, connection, and opportunity, and we are incredibly grateful for your ongoing support. Your investment in our mission not only strengthens our organization but also enhances the well-being of the community we all share. We look forward to continuing this journey together—thank you for being such an essential part of our success!

Professional Member Businesses

Sphera Travel

Dreaming of a luxurious, stress-free getaway designed just for you or your small group? Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan and serving clients nationwide, Sphera Travel—owned by Sue and Andy Ball—specializes in creating unforgettable journeys for empty nesters, retirees, and small groups seeking comfortable luxury. Whether it’s a European river cruise, a milestone celebration, or an immersive cultural escape, Sue thoughtfully curates every detail to ensure your trip is seamless, personalized, and truly meaningful. Join our private Facebook group to connect with like-minded travelers, gather inspiration, and start planning your next luxury getaway—we’re here to help you enjoy discovering the world together.

Local Businesses

Delight in Design

Delight in Designs

Love your home.... again! Our passion is helping you and other homeowners to love your space. We also don’t just design something that looks pretty. Our mission is to showcase your personality and style through your home’s aesthetic and function.

Rockford Cheese Shop

We offer over 100 imported and domestic artisan cheeses – all cut fresh to order. At the cheese counter, one of our Cheesemongers will help you find the perfect cheeses and pairings for any occasion! Stop in and sample a few cheeses to find out what you like. ​

Amore Trattoria Italiana

An immersive Italian experience, right here in Grand Rapids. Award-winning chef Jenna Arcidiacono brings a taste of the old world to Grand Rapids’ Alpine Avenue. Voted Best Chef, Best Service, Best Fine Dining, and Best Italian in Grand Rapids.