Welcome
The Commanderie de Bordeaux Australia Limited was incorporated in 2012.
It is affiliated with a worldwide network of 104 Commanderies across 31 countries under the overall patronage of the Bordeaux-based Grand Conseil du Vin de Bordeaux (GCVB).
The members ("Commandeurs") of these chapters get together periodically for dinners (called "parlements" from the French verb parler, to talk) and other events in order to enjoy, discuss and learn more about the wines of the various Bordeaux regions in their different vintages.
Through their passion for these wines, the Commandeurs become emissaries of the Bordeaux winemakers to their several localities, with the goal of broadening the appreciation of the wines of Bordeaux in Australia.
"Bordeaux, toujours Bordeaux"
In 1996, the Grand Conseil de Bordeaux declared a contest for the composition of an anthem in praise of Bordeaux wine. Commandeurs from around the world were encouraged to participate. Submissions came from Europe, French-speaking Canada, and the United States.
Commanderie History
In the Middle Ages, a “Grand Conseil” was an assembly of wise men and leading citizens who were to give advice and propose the best course of action to take.
It is in this spirit that Henri MARTIN, a key figure in the Bordeaux wine industry, decided in 1952 to found a “Grand Conseil des Vins de Bordeaux” – to promote the wines of Bordeaux. In 1975, after a maturation time similar to that of a good wine, the “Grande Commanderie de Bordeaux” was officially born, with the main goal to confederate all Bordeaux wine brotherhoods and to promote the wines of Bordeaux worldwide.
The custom of assembling wise men and leading citizens into councils (conseils) to make important decisions for the good of the commune goes back in France to the Middle Ages. The debates in council, enriched by the differing points of view expressed, thus became a unique tool of reflection and decision. In this tradition, 15 wine regions in Bordeaux had formed each their own brotherhood (confèrerie), some dating back hundreds of years. Each of these, with distinctive robes, was an association of wine growers and traders that undertakes to maintain local tradition, to defend and promote its wines, and to communicate their own winemaking principles. But from a marketing point of view, there was no uniform action.
Currently, there are 104 Commanderies of Bordeaux in the world, throughout 31 Countries, composed of 4,300 collectors and enthusiasts of the Wines of Bordeaux.
On June 2nd 2012, the 85th Commanderie was established in Australia, with a grand reception held at the French Ambassador’s residence in Canberra. Australia became the 26th country to become a Chapter of this noble international brotherhood.
The founding Maître was Jean-Marie Simart who was instrumental along with Michel-Henri Carriol and Patrick Benhamou in bringing the Commanderie de Bordeaux to Australia.
The Commanderie de Bordeaux in Australia is currently conducted as two Chapters, Sydney which is presently conducted by Simon Clatworthy who also serves as the Grand Maître for Australia and Melbourne which is presently conducted by Daniel Airoldi
The Song
Music & Lyrics Bordeaux, toujours Bordeaux was composed by Eric E. Vogt, Maître of Boston, and presented live at a gathering of the Grand Conseil de Bordeaux at Châteaux de Roquetaillade, June 25, 1998. Vogt's anthem was declared a winner on the spot by the Grand Maître Jacques Hébrard, and Vogt was awarded "his weight in Bordeaux wine." Fortunately the weigh-in occurred after dinner.
The Commanderie Today
The Commanderie de Bordeaux is a vibrant, growing organization worldwide.
The current President of the GCVB is Jean-Marc Dulong who also serves as the world Grand Maître of the Commanderie de Bordeaux at headquarters in Bordeaux itself.
A further innovation in the governance structure of the organization is the creation of the Conseil des Grands Maîtres Territoriaux, where certain designated Grands Maîtres representing broad sections of the globe meet to discuss basic policy and to advise the overall Grand Maître des Commanderies in Bordeaux.
Historically every four years, Commandeurs are invited to Bordeaux for a three-day Congrès Mondial colloquium, the last having been held in 2022. The next world congress of Commandeurs is scheduled to occur in 2027
Australian Directors and Officers
GRAND MAÎTRE
Simon Clatworthy
GRAND RÉGENT
Artemis Stanton
GRAND ARGENTIER
Françoise Merit
GRAND CHAMBELLAN
Patrick Benhamou
MAÎTRE MELBOURNE
Daniel Airoldi
DIRECTOR
David Owyong
DIRECTOR
Didier Guérin
DIRECTOR
Alexandre de Lacharrière
DIRECTOR
Glenda Kalyk