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Becoming a member of the Jurade de Saint Emilion

So, last weekend, I was intronised into the Jurade de Saint Emilion. Founded in 1199 and re-born in 1947, it is a group of vignerons and wine trade from the area, that invite selected foreign members to join twice a year.  And what a weekend it was because at this time of year, it is incorporated into the weekend that celebrates the Ban des Vendanges (the announcement of the beginning of harvest).

The weekend involves a torch lit parade of the core Jurat members on the Saturday night, through the medieval town to the Tour de Roy, followed by the most amazing fireworks I have ever seen! 
                          with Brian Rushton, also from the UK. Processing from the Cathedral to the moat.
The Sunday begins at the Town Hall where those to be intronised are gowned up. They then join together and all march through the town again – this time to the Cathedral for a harvest service.

From there they parade to the moat where the new members are announced to the audience and accepted into the group. Each is given a framed parchment certificate with a huge wax seal, an epaulet and a badge to wear whenever it is appropriate to promote the wines of Saint Emilion - the motto is Saint Emilion Toujours Fidele. 

I was lucky enough to be put forward by the Manoncourts of Chateau Figeac because of the long family connections with Saint-Émilion and with Figeac in particular. It’s a real privilege to the 3rd generation Avery to be a member - quite unusual for a foreign family - and possibly unique.


A very personal introduction by Blandine Manoncourt.


Being welcomed as a Dame de la Jurade de Saint Emilion by the Current Chairman
                                                   Hubert de Bouard of Chateau Ausone.

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