Introducing ourselves

An enthusiastic group of wine lovers ...

Commanderij Gent is part of the Flemish Wine Guild / Vlaamse Wijngilde. Having more than 100 members, it is actually the largest group within the Flemish Wine Guild. It was re-founded in 1994 and it unites wine lovers of Ghent and surroundings.

Our members are united by the love of wine. Commanderij Gent is an enthusiastic and democratic group of wine lovers. Democratic, because of the limited membership fee and because of the composition of our Board and our group of members. For instance, a reduced membership fee makes membership attractive for people under 35.

The Board is subject to regular changes and positions on the Board are open to all members. A new Board is elected every three years. It consists of a limited group of volunteers, and guarantees an interesting and varied programme every year.

The Commandery has no commercial ties or purposes.

... with a broad perspective on wine

On the wine tastings we taste and discuss wines from all over the world, without prejudice or preference. We are just as interested in 'small' and emerging wine regions as in mythical and traditional wine makers. The price/quality ratio is essential for us.

Our tastings are mostly thematic: exploring a wine region, discovering a grape variety, or a wine maker. Twice a year on average a wine maker will attend our tasting of their wines. Every now and then we organize a blind tasting. Blind tasting is a very instructive and challenging activity, which allows to introduce a competitive element in the tasting. Both for new and for experienced wine tasters, blind tasting often is a lesson in humility.

Every year our group organizes a four-day trip during which a wine region (French or other) is explored.

Once a year an official 'Chapter and Banquet' is organized, on which titles like Comrade, Master and Grandmaster in Wine Tasting are awarded to our members. The Chapter is followed by a glorious Banquet and Dance, truly a celebration of gastronomy and companionship.