Australian Chapter2017

Welcome to The Commanderie de Bordeaux Australia

  • “The wines of Bordeaux are of a quality superior to all others I have known”

    Thomas Jefferson. circa 1787

  • Un grand Bordeaux doit émouvoir autant qu’il séduit

    (A great Bordeaux should move you as much as it seduces you)

    Corinne Mentzelopoulos, owner of Chateau Margaux, circa 1990

The Commanderie de Bordeaux Australia Limited was incorporated in 2012. Today, there are 109 Commanderies across 31 countries, comprising 4,300 Bordeaux wine enthusiasts. Members, known as Commandeurs, meet regularly for dinners and other events to enjoy and learn about Bordeaux wines. Through their passion, they become emissaries of Bordeaux winemakers, promoting the region’s wines in Australia. 

Australian Directors and Officers

Simon-c

GRAND MAÎTRE

Simon Clatworthy

My loyalty and passion for the Commanderie and wines for Bordeaux is unquestioned. Although not at all Australian, to me, there is nothing better than starting the evening with a young Sauternes.
Artemis-c

GRANDE RÉGENTE

Artemis Stanton

A media professional and a natural connector who believes the best Bordeaux is always the one shared with family and friends.
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GRANDE ARGENTIÈRE

Françoise Merit

As the CFO of a major energy company, Françoise brings the same precision to a balance sheet as to a tasting note. Her heart belongs to the whites of Bordeaux — and above all, to Château d’Yquem, where she finds that true excellence, like sound finance, never cuts corners.
Patrick-B-c

GRAND CHAMBELLAN

Patrick Benamou

My role means ensuring Bordeaux is always taken seriously… but never too seriously.
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MAÎTRE MELBOURNE

Daniel Airoldi

Having grown up in the Bordeaux area, I have had no choice but fall in love with Bordeaux wines. In Australia since 2000, I have been flying the flag for Bordeaux wines down under ever since.
David-c

DIRECTOR

David Owyong

A Fintech leader captivated by Bordeaux's Right Bank, where a terroir unlike anywhere else on earth produces Merlot of pure revelation.
Didier-Guerin-c

DIRECTOR

Didier Guérin

His love for Bordeaux wines started at the age of 12 in Paris when his father invited him to taste a small amount in his glass at the dinner table each night. Château Margaux 1982 remains his passion.
alexandre-c

DIRECTOR

Alexandre de Lacharrière

As a young student, a winemaker friend from Bordeaux introduced me to the great wines of the region — their rich terroirs, the art of blending, centuriesold craftsmanship, and a deep cultural heritage.
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DIRECTOR

Glenda Kalyk

I loved Bordeaux wines so passionately that I bought a vineyard there, Chateau Picoron.

In 1952, Henri Martin founded a Grand Conseil des Vins de Bordeaux to promote Bordeaux wines. In 1975, the Grande Commanderie de Bordeaux was officially born to unite all Bordeaux wine brotherhoods. Historically, 15 Bordeaux wine regions had their own confréries (brotherhoods), some dating back centuries, each preserving local traditions. The Grand Conseil brought them together under a unified banner.

On 2 June 2012, the 85th Commanderie was established in Australia at the French Ambassador’s residence in Canberra. Founding members included Jean-Marie Simart, Michel-Henri Carriol and Patrick Benhamou. Australia now has two chapters: Sydney (led by Simon Clatworthy, also Grand Maître for Australia) and Melbourne (led by Daniel Airoldi).

 

The Anthem

Bordeaux, toujours Bordeaux – music and lyrics by Eric E. Vogt, Maître of Boston – was declared the winner of a 1996 competition by the Grand Conseil. Vogt received “his weight in Bordeaux wine” (fortunate for him, after dinner).

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Events

Secure your seats to upcoming Commanderie de Bordeaux Wine Tastings & Degustations.

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Rare Wine Dinners

Relive past dinners of unique prestigious rare wines.

Bordeaux Wine

Grand Conseil du Vin de Bordeaux

Organisation of wine brotherhoods and Commanderies.

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Wine Resources

Learn about Bordeaux wines with our curated wine ressources.

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Contact

Get in touch with the Commanderie de Bordeaux Australia