Liverpool is now officially part of the Commanderie de Bordeaux global network of wine enthusiasts and professionals after a special ceremony at the Art School restaurant. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool is now on the global map for wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts after receiving its Charter from Le Grand Conseil de Vins de Bordeaux.
Dating back to 1952, the Commanderie de Bordeaux is a global network of wine enthusiasts and professionals. It is dedicated to promoting and educating people about the wines of the Bordeaux region around the world.
Dinners, wine tasting and visits to Bordeaux will take place each year to celebrate the region’s wines and the new relationship with Liverpool city region.
Liverpool’s Art School restaurant officially welcomed The Commanderie de Bordeaux and guests from across the region for wine tasting and food curated by Paul Askew, the venue’s chef patron.
Liverpool BID Company chief executive Bill Addy was also in attendance and special guests included the head of La Commanderie de Bordeaux, Jean Marc Dulong, and president of the CIVB, Allan Sichel, and wine growers and sellers from across Bordeaux.
The evening began in The Art School Cellars with an array of vintages to sample, a selection of over 50 reds, whites, rose and sparkling vintages from Chateau Brondelle, Chateau Faugas and Chateau du Pavillion and many more.
Then before dinner in the Lantern Room, as part of the ceremony and the charter being received, Paul was bestowed as the Maitre De La Commanderie de Bordeaux à Liverpool and Bill as the Vice-Maitre De La Commanderie de Bordeaux à Liverpool.
Liverpool and Everton FC legends Sammy Lee, John Barnes, Peter Reid were there as well as Katherine Caldwell who, along with the Art School’s operations director Harry Askew, were all made members of The Commanderie de à Liverpool.
Guests were treated to a fine-dining experience which included a heart-stirring rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone by singing star Alfie Boe.
Paul Askew said: “I’m thrilled from welcoming our guests to The Art School to begin a wonderful new chapter with Liverpool, the latest Commanderie for Bordeaux.
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“We’ve worked together for many years in the restaurant and the wider city region to celebrate Bordeaux’s wines in all their glory, with a range of vintages from affordable to special occasion.
“We’ve embarked on visits to the city and the region in France and we’ve welcomed our Bordeaux friends to Liverpool as part of a very special relationship which has blossomed over the years.”