On Saturday October 12, the Conseil des Echansons de France, a founding member of the FICB, celebrated its 70th anniversary.
The event was celebrated in the church of Sainte-Odile, in the 17th arrondissement of Paris, with an anniversary mass, celebrated by the Archbishop of Paris Mgr Laurent Ulrich, followed by an induction ceremony and lunch in the crypt.
In front of numerous brotherhoods, including several members of the FICB,
Grand Chancelier Claude JOSSE, honorary president of the FICB (of which he was president from 1984 to 2014), recounted the history of the Confrérie since its creation in 1954 by André Bonin and leading figures from the wine world. He became Grand Chancellor in March 1984.
A decisive moment was the acquisition in 1984 of the cellars of the Minimes monks, now the headquarters of our Brotherhood and home to the Musée du Vin.
« This place is the symbol of our commitment to preserving not only the objects that tell the story of wine, but also the traditions and know-how that have shaped this culture. Jean-Jacques Hervy, its curator, has assembled a unique collection of over 2,500 objects, precious witnesses to the art of the Vine and Wine.” . »
Another significant milestone was the acquisition in 1990 of Château Labastidié and its 51 hectares of vines in the Gaillac vineyards, “a pillar of our commitment to quality and authenticity.” »
After thanking all those who, through their work and commitment, have contributed to the greatness of Les Echansons, the Grand Chancellor concluded his address by recalling this simple truth so dear to our hearts: “Water separates men, but wine brings them together.”
Alan Bryden, on behalf of the FICB, had sent a message of congratulations, recalling in particular that:
« “The Conseil des Echansons de France played a decisive role in the creation of our Federation in 1964 in Paris, alongside other major French and foreign confraternities. Its first Grand Chancellor, André Bonin, was one of the main driving forces behind its creation. Les Echansons successfully organized our first International Congress in Champagne in 1966, followed by several others, most recently in 2014, again in Champagne. Claude Josse succeeded André Bonin as President of F.I.C.B. in 1984, and passed the torch in 2014 to Alan Bryden, himself a Grand Officer of the Conseil des Echansons de France.” »
