The Commanderie de Bordeaux – Suisse Romande
The Maître (Master) of the Commanderie is assisted by a “Deputy-Maître”,
“Regent”, “Vinothécaire”, “Grand Argentier” and others. Members of the Board are elected for renewable periods of 3 years.
Love of the wines of Bordeaux is the sole prerequisite for membership of the Commanderie. Applicants are expected to have attended various events. The application process includes the completion of application materials and the recommendation of 2 Commandeurs. The induction ceremony is held during the Commanderie’s events and sealed by the Commandeurs’ cry “nous le/la voulons”. The induction is concluded by the applicant receiving the medal of the Commanderie de Bordeaux and a signed certificate.
Commandeurs and their friends receive regular updates on the Commanderie’s 4 events; the General Meeting and the bi-annual trip to Bordeaux.
The Commanderie de Bordeaux – Suisse Romande is one of 92 Commanderies affiliated to and supervised by the Grand Conseil du Vin de Bordeaux (GCVB). Please refer to the organisation chart of the GCVB. Discover the organisation chart of the GCVB.
History
The Grand Conseil du Vin de Bordeaux (GCVB) is the international umbrella organisation based in Bordeaux for the 92 Commanderies around the world. GCVB is responsible for coordinating the activities of different Commanderies; building bridges between the wine producing regions; châteaux and the Commanderies; the publication of magazines; dissemination of information; promotion of the Bordeaux region and its châteaux.
It was in 1981 that Bernard SOLIER established the Commanderie de Bordeaux – Suisse Romande. This was a the behest of the GCVB, with the launched event being held on 13 November 1981 at the restaurant du Parc des Eaux Vives, Geneva.
The GCVB was represented by its Grand Maître (Grand Master) Henri MARTIN who used this occasion to install Bernard SOLIER as Maître (Master).
The few founding members were soon joined by other Bordeaux enthusiasts.
In 1993, Michel SIMON was elected Maître in succession to Bernard SOLIER.
He was re-elected three times before passing his responsibilities in 2005 to Christophe SALVATORE.
With even time, the Annual General Meeting of Commandeurs elected Michel as Honorary Member in recognition of 12 years of unbroken service.
Alexander DEMIBTZ, the current Master succeeded Christophe SALVATORE.
Today, the Commanderie has more than 100 members and is one of the leading Commanderies in the world.
For all these years, the Commanderie de Bordeaux has been very active:
- Trips to Bordeaux, with visits to many châteaux, from the modest to the most prestigious
- “Chapters” which have an established theme. They bring together from 60 to more than 100 people and begin with a tasting. This is followed by the official part, with the induction of new members, and a meal accompanied by the wines tasted. These chapters are normally held 4 times a year.
- Gala evenings also take place, towards the end of each year, with the presence of personalities in the world of wine.
If you are interested in the Commanderie’s activities or interested in attending an event, please contact us.