What went on at the Ordre Des Coteaux De Champagne’s Singapore Grand Chapitre 2023

A panel of champagne connoisseurs, mostly dressed in ceremonial white robes and medallions, raised their flutes of champagne in anticipation. The leader of the group solemnly addresses the room — “Do you pledge your allegiance to champagne?” and the segment was later punctuated with the blowing of trumpets, to much pomp and fanfare.   

This could be a scene from the European Renaissance period, but it was from a recent induction ceremony for the Singapore chapter of the Ordre Des Coteaux De Champagne, a 373-year-old French organisation that celebrates and promotes the bubbly globally. The seventh edition of its Grand Chapitre took place at a St Regis Hotel ballroom on May 21. 

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Introducing the newly-appointed chevaliers

The biennial event — its first since the pandemic — saw the induction of 39 new chevaliers in an enthronement ceremony that is steeped in tradition. Each chevalier had their names, credentials and contributions to the champagne world read out in front of an audience before they were formally inducted. Newly-appointed chevaliers included food and beverage professionals, educators, chefs, sommeliers and restaurant managers, and champagne aficionados. 

Notable new inductees include Sebastien Lepinoy, culinary director of the three-Michelin-starred French restaurant, Les Amis, Vincent Tan, wine director at three-Michelin-starred Odette, veteran wine journalist Lin Weiwen, and entrepreneur Harmin Kaur. 

The event was graced by Her Excellency The French Ambassador to Singapore, Minh-di Tang, who was also inducted as L’Officier Honneur, as per tradition.

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Singapore promoted to "Embassy" status

The Reims-headquartered organisation is also the official fraternity of the world's major champagne, including Champagne Billecart-Salmon, Champagne Deutz, Champagne Drappier, Champagne Lanson, Champagne Nicolas Feuillate, Champagne Pol Roger and Champagne Taittinger. 

The Ordre des Coteaux, which celebrates champagne grape varieties and vintages, collaborates with distributors to introduce and promote a diverse range of champagne and educate them on the history, terroir, cultivation, and unique traits of each house and its champagne.

The event, which also saw Singapore — one of the 15 chapters of the organisation — being promoted to an “Embassy” status. Also in the same category are six other chapters, including Hong Kong, Japan, the UK and Germany. 

Nicola Lee, Ambassador of the Singapore chapter of the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne, says: “The change in status reflects the increased consumption of this beautiful beverage here.  Champagne is so much more than an apéritif, it is the perfect accompaniment to our local cuisine.  Singaporeans clearly enjoy exploring the mysteries of champagne : from understanding grower champagnes to Les Grandes Marques, and the different styles that champagne has to offer.”

The Singapore chapter of the Ordre Des Coteaux De Champagne was formed in 2008 and has around 80 members. The organisation regularly organises events and tastings for its members. 

The event, which culminated in a tipple-happy gala dinner, was attended by 171 guests including chevaliers from Hong Kong, Taipei, China and Jakarta and members of the founding families of the esteemed champagne houses. They include Michel Drappier of Champagne Drappier, Hubert de Billy of Champagne Pol Roger and Antoine Roland Billecart of Champagne Billecart-Salmon.