About Us
Established in 2024, the Young Members Circle (YMC) is a chapter of the International Wine & Food Society (IWFS), created to cultivate the next generation of wine enthusiasts. Based in NYC, the YMC launched last September with a landmark event at the New York Yacht Club, where members were guided through a tasting of Cheval Blanc and Château d'Yquem by Pierre Lurton. The evening was a convergence of passions: Pierre’s love of sailing, the storied heritage of the Yacht Club, and the emergence of a vibrant new community of wine lovers.
The YMC’s affiliation with the IWFS is both fitting and foundational. When the IWFS was established in 1933, it was the only global society of gastronomic appreciation independent of commercial ties to the wine and food industries. While today there are countless such organizations, the IWFS remains the world’s most far-reaching and prestigious independent gastronomic society. The YMC carries forward this legacy by championing a spirit of discovery — exploring diverse wine regions and varietals, embracing cultural heritage from around the world, and celebrating the richness of food experiences through a modern, inclusive lens. At its heart is a vibrant community of like-minded young professionals whose shared passion for wine creates an energetic and dynamic social environment.
2025-2026 YMC Senior Council
Gunnar Pritsch
Gunnar serves as the Events Chair for the NY Wine & Food Society and lends his expertise and experience to support the YMC in executing events in the NY area. Outside of the YMC and NY Wine & Food Society, Gunnar serves as President and COO of MIO Partners, an investment management subsidiary of McKinsey & Company. In his remaining spare time, Gunnar loves to play cards and host dinners.
Cathleen Burke Visscher
Cathleen serves as Vice President of the NY Wine & Food Society and is President of Wine Works & Co., a consulting company focused on growing luxury brands within the U.S. national wine and spirits sector. Cathleen is also a Portfolio Director at Château Ducru Beaucaillou, growing their North American presence into their #1 global territory.
Alan Frishman
Alan is active in the world of wine as a collector, frequent visitor to France, and highly-regarded speaker at wine society events. He served on the Grand Council and as Chair of the Wine Committee of the Commanderie de Bordeaux and on the BOD of the NY Wine & Food Society. Alan is also a member of the Côtes du Rhône wine society, the Tastevin Burgundy wine society, and the Knights of Alba Italian wine society.
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Lily Frishman
Lily is a wine aficionado and food lover. She is a valued member of the NY Wine & Food Society, Knights of Alba, and Côtes du Rhône wine societies. When not pursuing her gastronomic passions, Lily can be found hard at work as co-founder and CEO of ALAC International Inc., listed several years ago in Crain’s New York Magazine as the 25th fastest growing company in the NYC metropolitan area.
2025-2026 Advisors & Friends of the YMC
Andrew Jones
Former Chair of the International Wine & Food Society
Arnie Reiter
Former President of the New York Wine & Food Society, Counsel to the YMC
Chris Ankner
Chairman of the International Wine & Food Society Americas
Stuart Leaf
Founder and Chairman of the Hudson Valley International Wine & Food Society Chapter, University Club of NYC Wine Committee Member
Peter Salerno
Maestro of the Order of the Knights of the Truffle and Wines of Alba in NYC, and Member of the Commanderie de Bordeaux, the Commanderie des Costes du Rhone, the Confrerie de la Chaine de Rotisseurs, and the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin.