The Commanderie de Bordeaux à Bristol is proud to be the first Commanderie in the UK, having been established under the guidance of Charles Clarke and received its Charter from Le Grand Conseil de Vins de Bordeaux in 1980. It has been learning about, enjoying and spreading the word about the wines of Bordeaux ever since. Dinners, wine tasting and visits to Bordeaux take place at regular intervals.
The Commanderie de Bordeaux à Bristol has over 60 members who appreciate the wines of Bordeaux. They are largely drawn from Bristol and its surrounding areas. The Commanderie is led by Le Maître (literally “the Master”) who is appointed by Le Grand Conseil in Bordeaux. Le Maître is supported by a Conseil (Council) of elected members.
Our History
The historical connection between Bristol and Bordeaux dates back over eight centuries to the marriage of Henry Plantagenet (Henry II) and Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1152. During this period, Bordeaux fell under English rule until the conclusion of the Battle of Castillon in 1453, marking the end of the Hundred Years’ War and a flourishing of the Gascon wine trade. Bristol held a strategic advantage over London due to its proximity and more straightforward sea route, which allowed ships to bypass the English Channel’s French interception risk.
Throughout history, Bristol remained a central hub of the English wine trade, fostering strong ties with Bordeaux suppliers. This relationship laid the foundation for the selection of Bordeaux as Bristol’s twinned city, a gesture of post-war reconciliation.
The two cities shared similarities in size, coastal location, and river access. During Bristol’s prominence as England’s leading port, Bordeaux held a similar stature in France.
Given the longstanding connections and the robust contemporary partnership between these cities, it was a natural progression for Bristol to become the focal point for the Grand Conseil’s efforts in establishing a Commanderie in England. This initiative came to fruition in 1980. The remarkable success and ongoing vitality of the Bristol Commanderie played a pivotal role in inspiring the concept of extending such representation elsewhere.
Our Commanderie
The Commanderie de Bordeaux stands as a dynamic and expanding organisation with multiple chapters across the United Kingdom. A notable innovation in the organizational structure is the establishment of the “Conseil des Grands Maîtres Territoriaux.” This Conseil brings together designated Grands Maîtres representing diverse global regions. They convene to deliberate on fundamental policies and provide counsel to the Grand Maître in Bordeaux.
In addition, the Commanderie is actively addressing some of the fundamental challenges in the wine industry. The global production of wine has surged to meet the ever-growing demand, particularly in New World regions. However, in France, individual wine consumption has dwindled by half in the past two decades. Wine consumption has transformed into an act of connoisseurship rather than a mere beverage choice.
Consequently, this shift has impacted most of the 10,000 distinct châteaux in the Bordelais region. On the other hand, the select group of around 200 classified Bordeaux wines commands astronomical prices, often attracting speculators and new enthusiasts from the Orient.
Thus, Commanderies maintain their dual role. They serve as gathering spots for like-minded gastronomes committed to a rich tradition, while also actively educating others about the magnificence encompassed by the complete spectrum of Bordeaux wines.
