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 Ă©mouvoir autant qu’il sĂ©duit

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

    Corinne Mentzelopoulos, owner of Chateau Margaux, circa 1990

Commanderie de Bordeaux In Australia

The Commanderie de Bordeaux Australia Limited was incorporated in 2012. Today, there are 104 Commanderies across 31 countries, comprising 4,300 Bordeaux wine enthusiasts. Members, known as Commandeurs, meet regularly for dinners called parlements (from the French parler – to speak) 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. 

Chateau L'angelus

Australian Directors and Officers

Didier-Guerin-c

DIRECTOR

Didier Guérin

Former media executive and company director. His love of 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.

GRAND MAĂŽTRE

Simon Clatworthy

GRAND RÉGENT

Artemis Stanton

GRAND ARGENTIER

Françoise Merit

GRAND CHAMBELLAN

Patrick Benhamou

MAĂŽTRE MELBOURNE

Daniel Airoldi

DIRECTOR

David Owyong

DIRECTOR

Didier Guérin

DIRECTOR

Alexandre de Lacharrière

DIRECTOR

Glenda Kalyk

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).

event

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

Wine Resources

Learn about Bordeaux wines with our curated wine ressources.