Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin

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The coat of arms of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. Note at top the cartoon chevalier in his sixteenth-century robes.

Originally founded in 1703 as the Ordre de la Boisson (Order of the Drink), and resurrected under its current name in 1934, the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin (translatable as Brotherhood of Knights of Wine-Tasting Cups) is an exclusive club of Burgundy wine enthusiasts. It is headquartered in the twelfth-century Chateau du Clos de Vougeot in the Côte d'Or region of France. It maintains chapters (called Sous-Commanderies) worldwide, but because of its Gallic origins its name and many of its ceremonial titles are always rendered in French.

The Confrérie is governed by a Grand Conseil of Chevaliers. Its president is called the Grand Maître and its secretary is called the Grand Connetable. In the U.S. the organization delegates authority to a Grand Pilier, who is assisted by a Grand Connetable. Candidates for membership are approved by the Grand Pilier or Grand Connetable, and are confirmed by the Grand Conseil.

Members are hierarchically ranked (in decending order) as Grand Officiers, Officiers Commandeurs, Commandeurs, and Chevaliers. The Confrérie counts among its membership businessmen, luminaries, and celebrities, including national and military leaders, diplomats, executives, scholars, athletes, musicians, and artists. During initiation ceremonies, members wear ornate robes that are duplicates of those worn by doctors of theology in sixteenth-century France.

The primary goals of the organization are "To hold in high regard and encourage the use of the products of Burgundy, particularly her great wines and her regional cuisine. To maintain and revive the festivities, customs and traditions of Burgundian folklore," and "To encourage people from all over the world to visit Burgundy."^[1]

The organization's activates are generally scheduled around elaborate chapter dinners and other culinary events, at which Burgundy wines are served (although sometimes other types of French wines are sampled). At these events it is customary for members to comment in detail about the history and characteristics of each wine or dish that is served, in order to promote "viticultural and gastronomic education."

The most important annual event of the Confrérie is the tasting of Burgundy wines at the Chateau du Clos de Vougeot, where those deemed superior by a jury of tasters are awarded the title of "Tastevinage."

In 2007 the Confrérie was invited to the "Vino & Destilaty" festival in Prague.