Purpose

To establish the reasons for granting Honorary Membership and the policy and procedure for awarding Honorary membership to individuals.

Reasons for awarding Honorary Membership

Offering honorary memberships provides WineGB with an opportunity to enhance its commercial reach and reputation within the UK wine industry and beyond. By recognising influential figures — such as leading vintners, wine writers, or champions of British wine — as honorary members, WineGB can elevate its profile and strengthen its authority as the voice of the industry. These individuals often bring valuable networks, media influence, and promotional reach, acting as ambassadors who help raise awareness of British wines. This increased visibility can attract new members, encourage trade partnerships, boost consumer interest, and ultimately support the growth and success of the UK wine sector.

Eligibility Criteria

Exceptional Contribution
The nominee must have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the UK Wine Industry through their work, advocacy, leadership, or expertise in a relevant field, significantly impacting the Industry's goals and objectives.

Reputation and Standing
The nominee should have a recognized reputation and standing within the relevant field, demonstrating high ethical standards and positive impact on the community.

Not a Current Member and derives no commercial benefit from the Industry An honorary membership cannot be awarded to an existing member of WineGB or any individual who derives a personal commercial benefit from the industry. Honorary Memberships cannot be granted for Group A or Group B Membership, they are granted to Individuals only.

Nomination Process

Initiation
Any member of WineGB can suggest a potential honorary member to be considered for nomination by their local Regional Association (Regions). Initial suggestions should be made in writing to the Chair of the member’s Regional Association.

Nominations
The Committee of the Regional Association should review all suggestions received and consider and agree on any that they wish to formally nominate to the Board of WineGB (the Board) to receive an honorary membership.
Nominations for honorary membership are expected to be rare and highly selective, reflecting the exceptional contribution required for such recognition. To maintain the prestige of this status, no more than two honorary members may be nominated by each region in any given year.

For each individual nominated, the Region should complete a nomination form in the prescribed format setting out the reasons for the nomination.

Nominations should be submitted annually to the Company Secretary of WineGB by the 30 th September each year for consideration for membership for the following year.

Review and Evaluation

The Chair of the WineGB Board will review all nominations received and assess whether the nominee meets the established criteria for honorary membership. Those that meet the criteria will be recommended to the Board for approval at their next meeting. For those that do not meet the criteria, the CEO will write to the nominating region explaining the reasons for not putting them forward.

Approval

The final decision to award honorary membership shall be made by a majority vote of the Board and, for those approved, Membership will be effective from the 1st June of the following year and will run continuously until cancelled by the Honorary Member or the Board.

Acceptance

All approved nominees will be contacted in writing and formally offered an Honorary Membership which they will be required to accept in writing prior to the start of the new year.

Resignation

Honorary Members can resign their membership at any time by writing to the Company Secretary to confirm this.

Annual Review and Termination

The Board will carry out an annual review of all Honorary Memberships to ensure that they are still appropriate. If, on a majority vote, the Board consider that the Honorary Membership should be withdrawn they will write to the Honorary Member setting out the reasons for termination and confirming the date of termination. The Board reserve the right, on a majority vote, to terminate any Honorary Membership at any time if considered necessary.

Rights and Responsibilities of Honorary Members

Recognition
New Honorary Members will be announced annually to WineGB members and the UK Wine Industry as individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the Industry.

Benefits of Honorary Membership
Honorary members will not be required to pay any fees for their membership. They will receive the same benefits as Individual Associate Members. These currently include:
Membership of their local Regional Association
Access to the Members Forum but with the added ability to post messages where they are encouraged to share their expertise and experience Invitations to Member events, conferences and meetings
Receipt of the regular WineGB communications including WineGB weekly and industry reports

Honorary Members do not have any voting rights and may not hold leadership positions unless expressly approved by the Board.

Important Considerations

Equality
Provide equality, fairness and respect in all nomination considerations and decisions.

Transparency
Ensure the nomination process and decision-making criteria are transparent to all members.

Confidentiality
Maintain the confidentiality of nominations and deliberations during the evaluation process.

Communication
Clearly communicate the honorary membership status and its implications to the recipient.

Review and Amendment of Policy

This Honorary Membership policy may be reviewed and amended by the Board as needed to reflect changing Industry needs and priorities.

Approved: 23 July 2025

Updated:

Download the form here: Honorary Membership Form, then email it to admin@winegb-mn.co.uk.

Suggested subject line: Honorary Membership Application - [Nominee Name]