About | The Young Members Circle of the IWFS

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 in September 2024 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

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.

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.

Paul Tocci

Paul serves as the Dinner Chairman of the Commanderie des Costes du Rhone and in the leadership of the Cavalieri del Tartufo e Vini dei Alba here in New York City. He is also an active member of the Chevalier du Tastevin, the Societe des Amis du Champagne and the Columbus Citizen’s Foundation. When not involved in private real estate investment, Paul enjoys visiting wine regions and helping others learn to improve their wine knowledge and to grow their passion for wine.

Sherie Reiter

Sherie became a member of the NY Wine & Food Society in 2007 and has served on both its Events and Membership Committees. She had the informal title of the Society's working Co-President during her husband Arnie's presidency. Sherie has extensive contacts in the food world and has been a "Fellow" of the Culinary Institute. She will offer her wine and food experiences to the YMC as a member of the Senior Council. Professionally, she is the Comptroller for the Reiter Law Firm. Sherie and Arnie divide their time among New York, Scottsdale, and Los Cabos, Mexico. She is most passionate about being "Grandma Lolli" to Micah and Noah.

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

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.

Stuart Leaf

Founder and Chairman of the Hudson Valley International Wine & Food Society Chapter, University Club of NYC Wine Committee Member

Senior Council Emeriti

Catheleen Burke Visscher

Vice President of the NY Wine & Food Society, President of Wine Works & Co., served on YMC Senior Council 2024-2026

Gunnar Pritsch

Events Chair for the NY Wine & Food Society, served on YMC Senior Council 2024-2026