In the early 70’s two families migrated to the Gold Coast from Sydney, the Scott’s and West’s. Having been members of a Sydney Wine and Food Society, it was natural for them to form one on the Gold Coast. Thus Gold Coast Wine and Food Society came into being in 1972. Leila Scott opened Cordova Cellars, marketing wine and associated products. But little is known about Trevor West and his business activities, other than he was a Colonel in the Australian Army until his retirement. The new Society, part of the newly formed Australian Federation, met for dinner on a monthly basis, holding each function in Margot Kelly’s Hibiscus Room of the newly built Kinkabool building. Kinkabool having the distinction of being the Gold Coast’s first multi storey building. Leila Scott had considerable wine knowledge and could never be caught out during blind tastings. Wonder how she would fare today with the variety available.  

Meetings followed the traditional format of these early days. The dress code was always “black tie”. However, in the eighties the dress code was relaxed, there being little sense in “black ties”, when the women came with off shoulder, or strapless gowns, leaving the men sweltering in the sub tropical heat. So dress codes were altered to suit the sub tropical climate. Today “formal attire” is only necessary at specific functions. Through these early years wine and food masters took on the roles to organise each dinner, with a cooperative restaurant, and fine wines the Society prospered.  

Queensland, like all Australian States, has a plethora of wineries, whereas in the early formative days of the Society, there were only two major producers in Queensland, Ballandean Estates and Romavilla. Both still continue their production of quality wines. Each are part of the wines to be consumed over the weekend. During the late seventies it was customary for people to travel to the Gold Coast for dinner, as the coast offered a wider variety of quality cuisines, than available in Brisbane restaurants.  

Over the years the Presidents and committees have continued the goal of appreciation and discovery of wine and food in its many forms. Today the Society has 54 members with many attending the Victor Gibson Weekend. The club took steps to incorporate in 2002, as a means of recognising the nature of today’s society, the PLI being sourced via the FWFSA blanket PLI policy.

Notable events in past years were the wine discovery trips to the many Queensland and NSW regions. Each was memorable for huge variety of wines tasted and meals consumed. Often the wines challenged the tastes of participants. Functions are held in a variety of venues, including “Silver service” Gold Coast TAFE training facility, and local restaurants covering a variety of cuisines.

During the eighties Leila Scott became the Society’s first life member. Daphne Litfin’s twenty years contribution to the Society was recognised with Life membership. The Federation Certificate of Distinguished Service was awarded to Daphne in June 2004. Today we have six twenty-five year members, George & Daphne Litfin, Philip and Gael Maude, Gael Maude was the first female president of the Society, Glen & Desley Borman. A further four have memberships in excess of twenty years, Ray Huxley, Leone McMahon, Rossita Wilhelm, and Lyle Hynd

 The Gold Coast is Australia's premier holiday destination, offering holiday makers a wide choice of activities. If you are a member of  any Australian Wine and Food Societies, you and your partner are most welcome to contact us and/or attend a function.

The Gold Coast Society has been selected to host the 19th Victor Gibson Weekend in April 2009. The weekend consists of a formal dinner followed a leisurely Sunday luncheon. For more details on this great weekend contact the Secretary or Councillor.

If you would like to join our Society, or attend a function, contact us by telephoning the Secretary on 07 5531-4951 or Treasurer (Daphne Litfin) 07 5532 8001 during normal business hours