The Burgundian writer Gaston Roupnel put forward
the following ambition for the wines of Burgundy: "To have the world drink a
toast to the health of France". The worldwide expansion of the Confrérie des
Chevaliers du Tastevin accomplishes this wish.
United
States of America as early as 1939 Like the Cistercian Abbey, the Confrérie may be proud to
have expanded worldwide, for its "Commanderies" enthusiastically carry on its
work in countries: the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin may be thought of
as a miniature "league of Nations", somewhat in the manner of the Cistercians,
the founders of the Clos de Vougeot, who as early as the twelfth century, through
their General Ceremonies organised international meetings which fostered peaceful
relations and mutual understanding.
As early as 1939 and 1949, the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin created
an American branch in New York and New Orleans. Today, it boasts some 2 200
members throughout 37 sub-branches from the East Coast to California.
Around
the world Other branches were created around the world: in Morocco
(1949), Senegal (1953), IvoryCoast (1963), Australia
(1964), Bermuda (1974), Puerto Rico (1981), Venezuela (1982),
Canada (1990), Japan (1995), Latin America (1997), China
(1997), and a sub-branches in Tahiti (1995), Mauritius (2000),
Singapore (2000).
The new Chevaliers, whether in France at Vougeot or abroad, only meet to share
optimistic views and brotherhood over a glass of the nectar of the gods.
