In 1956 a group of prominent Frenchmen started rating restaurants. This small group, along with an American, conceptualized an international version of their organization. It became the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), when formally created as a non-profit organization in California in 1981.

The Association’s membership includes professionals in culinary arts and sciences, the wine growing and production industry, and in the hotel and hospitality management industries.