Press release: F.I.C.B.: a resolutely innovative 2026 General Assembly
The 2026 General Assembly of the F.I.C.B. was held on 7 February in Paris. It brought together more than 60 participants representing 38 member brotherhoods or federations of brotherhoods from some 20 countries and territories.
On this occasion, a world-first event was organized at the M. Musée du Vin Paris: a wine tournament, in which the “champion” wines from 14 wine brotherhoods (dry white wines, for this first edition) competed two by two. It will be covered on this site in another article.
After hearing and approving the report by President Marc Lesk and the financial report by Vincent Carrière, acting as treasurer, the Assembly took note of the progress of the Congress project, which will take place in Switzerland in May 2027 and will offer participants the opportunity to discover the country’s many wine-growing regions during “a lively celebration of wines, brotherhoods, and cultures.”
click here for the congress presentation
click here for the leaflet
The GA also listened to Jacques Cattin, Grand Master of the Confrérie de Saint-Etienne d’Alsace, promoting the Discovery Tour planned for October 2026 in the Colmar region.
Click here for the program and registration details.
A new atypical member was introduced: the cruise ship The World, which hosts a Priory of the Illustrious Order of the Knights of Medusa on board and supports this brotherhood that promotes wines from Mediterranean Provence. The World was accepted as an associate member. It was introduced by its sommelier, Marinella.
Below, Grand Prior Alan Freeman during an induction ceremony on The World.
Click here to read the article on The World published on this site.
In addition to finalizing scheduled events, the Action Plan prioritizes the search for candidates for future events: Congress in 2029 or 2030, Wine Tasting Challenge in 2028, and new wine discovery tours.
The wine tournament was a great success and it was decided to make it a permanent event. The details will be finalized and the organization of local or regional tournaments will be encouraged.
The General Assembly acknowledged the Honorary Diplomas awarded to Bob Lindo (pioneer of wine production in Cornwall, England, and inspiration to a generation of new producers, nominated by the Guild of Wine of the UK), Justin Baldwin (renowned wine producer and educator, nominated by the Oregon Wine Society) and Laura Catena (who “has raised the global reputation of Argentine wine and advocates a balanced and informed approach to the relationship between wine, health, and well-being,” nominated by the Renaud Society), as well as those awarded by the Bureau to outgoing members.
Ken Hick, from the Oregon Wine Brotherhood, presented Professor Marin Berovič with two diplomas: one for honorary membership of the Brotherhood, and one as Wine Master.
The Assembly also took note of the Board of Administration’s update to the internal regulations, which specifies certain governance procedures and simplifies the conditions for admission as an associate member.
Five members of the Board of Administration had their terms renewed after six years. Three members left, and three new members were appointed:
Gérard Maurice, from la Coordination des Confréries d’Ile de France Cocorico, in replacement in former treasurer Alain Huet
Marie Lise Carabeuf, from Conseil des Echansons de France, Deputy Secretary General,
and Ugo Venturino, from the Order of the Knights of the truffle and the wine of Alba, l, Vice-president for Italy in replacement of Bianca Vetrino.
Secretary general Vincent Carrière was appointed 1er Vice Président.
click here for the summary of the 2026 general assembly.
click here for the president’s report
click here for the General assembly minutes
click here for the internal rules update
Click here for the composition of the Board of Administration as of February 7, 2026.
