Wine Brotherhoods : What Are They ?
Wine brotherhoods are associations of professionals, producers, merchants, brokers, oenologists, and others, in the wine industry who work to promote their terroir, wines, and AOC traditions. They organize events to showcase wines, encourage tasting, and cultivate appreciation for their craft.
They are easily recognized by their medieval-inspired attire, reminiscent of the cup-bearers who served the popes. Dominated by shades of red, burgundy, and gold, these outfits reflect the traditions of the Middle Ages, when the first wine brotherhoods were established. The largest wine brotherhood is the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, founded in 1934 by two Burgundian winemakers. Today, it has 12,000 members worldwide, dedicated to promoting Burgundy’s Grand Cru wines and preserving its traditions.
The Different Wine Brotherhoods of Bordeaux
Bordeaux also has its own wine brotherhoods, with 17 in total, each representing unique values and viticultural traditions.
The 17 Bordeaux brotherhoods :
- Commanderie du Bontemps de Médoc, des Graves, de Sauternes et Barsac
- Commanderie du Bontemps de Sainte-Croix du Mont
- Compagnons du Bordeaux
- Confrérie de Saint-Romain en Bordelais et Pays Libournais
- Confrérie des Vignerons Échevins de Montagne Saint-Émilion, Lussac Saint-Émilion, et Puisseguin Saint-Émilion
- Confrérie des Vins de Sainte-Foy Bordeaux
- Connétable de Guyenne des Côtes de Blaye
- Connétable de Guyenne des Côtes de Bourg
- Connétable de Guyenne en Graves de Vayres
- Connétable de Guyenne en Premières Côtes de Bordeaux et Cadillac
- Grand Conseil du Vin de Bordeaux
- Jurade de Saint-Émilion
- Les Baillis de Lalande Pomerol
- La Commanderie des Compagnons du Loupiac
- Les Gentilshommes du Duché de Fronsac
- Ordre des Chevaliers des Vins de Castillon
- Ordre des Vignerons de Bordeaux et Bordeaux Supérieurs
The Order of Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur Winemakers
The Ordre des Vignerons de Bordeaux et Bordeaux Supérieurs consists of around twenty wine professionals from the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur AOCs. Led by Grand Master Nathalie Escuredo, the order inducts willing professionals and promotes the wines of approximately 3,000 winemakers. Their promotional activities take place worldwide—from China to Australia, and as far as Oakland.
This year, the founder of L.O Wine, will join the brotherhood, having already begun as an apprentice.
To become a member, one must work in the wine industry and undergo the official induction ceremony. Each year, the brotherhood participates in the “Bordeaux Fête le Vin” parade, a perfect occasion for locals to admire their traditional attire.
