The Calgary Chapter of The Commanderie de Bordeaux was formed in 1977. Part of a worldwide Order of Commanderies, we are one of approximately 100 chapters across the globe. Started originally in the Communes of Bordeaux who developed their own traditions, regalia, and robes, the first international Chapter was granted to New York City in the 1950’s. Together, we are the ambassadors of the Bordeaux Brand, dedicated to the wines, education, traditions, and culture of responsibly enjoying the beautiful and justly famous produce of Bordeaux.
There are three features of our boisterous and enthusiastic Commanderie – the largest in Canada with membership approaching 70 – which are quite unique. Firstly, while other Commanderies typically stick to formal “Parliaments”, events where fine Bordeaux is carefully paired with a curated meal, our Chapter tends toward a wide spectrum of events in which Bordeaux wine and fun are the two essential ingredients. Please go to our events page to review our annual calendar and see what we’re up to this year! Our calendar comes out in January.
Secondly, we have direct-from-château wine purchase program which is, we immodestly claim, the envy of almost every Commanderie in the world. The purpose of this Direct Import Program (DIP) is to find château wines that are pressing up against Grand Cru quality but which are fractional in price due to these wines not being carried and promoted by the established negotiants of Bordeaux wine. We host an annual tasting where Commandeurs can taste through the entire current range being offered of over 55 wines from perhaps 20 châteaux. The DIP has been a runaway success and is universally seen to be a great benefit to membership.
The third feature is that our Annual Dues are low, and unlike all other Canadian Commanderies, you are not required to “buy into” the value of our cellar approaching 2000 bottles with a current value of several hundreds of thousands of dollars. Our cellar wines are vended into events and you have the benefit of wines stored, in some cases, for decades and served at their apogeé. Currently, our Dues are $325 annually paid in January, with an early payment discount down to $275. The New Member fee is a modest $375 and includes your first year in the Commanderie along with covering your Regalia – presented to you during your Induction into our Order.
Our general preference for a potential Calgary Commandeur is to attend a number of events prior to officially joining our ranks. Equally it is not a problem – generally on the recommendation of an existing Member – to join immediately. At the very least a meeting with the proposing Member or Regent, and the Maitre, over a nice bottle of Bordeaux – bien sur! – to informally chat about events, the group and get to know one another a bit better. This is a VERY social group with love of wine, food, friendship, and fun as key elements.
There is no obligation as a Member to come to any event. Members have first option to attend all events. Every Member is allowed one guest at time of registration. Additional guests above the initial guest are allowed if the event has not sold out within a week or 10 days of the event, at which time guests are allowed on a first come basis. Most events sell out – sometimes in 24 hours. A few of the events are elastic in terms of attendance and if that’s the case it is stipulated in the event description and also at time of registration on our website. Dues are required every year, whether or not you attend any events. Your dues are used mostly to continue to build a quality cellar of wines employed in formal tastings, exceptional dinners, and other events generally. A portion of your fees go elsewhere such as cellar insurance and a small fee paid to maintain the Commanderie Grand Conseil Office in Bordeaux.
It’s a fun group with fun events! We have the highest proportion of female Commandeurs in the world, about a third of our ranks. We are certainly the largest being about double the size of other Commanderies in Canada. Indeed by many measures it’s one of the best in the world.
Bordeaux, toujours Bordeaux!
Greg Stebbe, Maître
Commanderie de Bordeaux a Calgary