Current Events
Sharing amazing experiences with like minded oenophiles.
Recent Events ... highlights Commanderie activities from across the United States over the last twelve months.
Building and expanding our collective knowledge and
understanding of Bordeaux wines in convivial environments.
Officer Positions, Maitre, Regents, Cavistes, Educateurs, Founding members.
All the regional brotherhoods in France have their special regalia. The GCVB is no exception, and the medallion we wear is part of this regalia. The shape of the shield represents a glass of red Bordeaux wine.
The Fleur de Lis (the historic symbol of France) in the top segment symbolizes the bouquet of the wine. Below, each of the letters “GCB” is bordered by a crescent moon, recalling the fact that the all-important port of Bordeaux was once known as the Le Port de la Lune (The Port of the Moon), reflecting the crescent – or croissant – shaped line of the docks along the river.
The golden leopard is the emblem of the historical province of Aquitaine, in which Bordeaux lies. This is the result of the marriage between the dynamic and powerful Eléanore d’Aquitaine and Henri de Plantagenet, who subsequently became King Henry II of England in 1154.
Lastly, the bunch of grapes at the bottom of the emblem denotes the raison d’être of our organization and the "V" of GCVB.
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Bordeaux, toujours Bordeaux
The Official Song of the Grand Conseil de Bordeaux
In 1996, the Grand Conseil de Bordeaux declared a contest for the composition of an anthem in praise of Bordeaux wine. Members, called “Commandeurs,” from around the world were encouraged to participate. Submissions came from Europe, French-speaking Canada, and the United States.
“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.
