Commanderie
July 5, 2026Commanderie de Bordeaux in Manchester. Summer lunch & Handover to the new Maître. July 5, 2026
On Sunday, July 5, the Commanderie de Bordeaux in Manchester held its traditional Summer Lunch at the King Street Townhouse in Manchester. This year's event was particularly significant as it marked the handover of the Maître position from Colin Smith to Andy Bacon, in the presence of Jean-Marc Dulong, Grand Maître of the Grand Conseil du Vin de Bordeaux, and Bruce Minto, Maître of the Commanderie de Bordeaux in Edinburgh.
After five years at the head of the Commanderie, Colin Smith officially handed over his responsibilities to Andy Bacon, who now becomes the new Maître of the Commanderie de Bordeaux in Manchester. The ceremony, marked by both emotion and conviviality, paid tribute to Colin Smith's commitment to the development and international influence of the Commanderie while opening a new chapter under the leadership of his successor.
The luncheon showcased a selection of outstanding Bordeaux wines, carefully paired with each course of the menu. Guests had the opportunity to enjoy:
- Château Closiot C de Sec 2022
- Château Clos Fourtet 2012, Premier Grand Cru Classé de Saint-Émilion
- Château Sociando-Mallet 2009
- Château Doisy-Daëne 2016, Deuxième Cru Classé de Sauternes
The event celebrated not only the excellence of Bordeaux wines but also the core values embodied by the Commanderies: tradition, fellowship and friendship. Once again, the exchanges between members and guests demonstrated the vitality of the Commanderie de Bordeaux in Manchester and its ongoing commitment to promoting Bordeaux wines throughout the United Kingdom.
The day concluded in a warm and convivial atmosphere, true to the spirit of the Commanderies de Bordeaux, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Commanderie de Bordeaux in Manchester, now led by its new Maître, Andy Bacon.
