Ceremonial & Regalia

Historic Background

From historic vineyards to modern cellars, wine has always united people in celebration.

In almost every country where wine has long been produced, there is a ceremonial tradition within its wine community – honouring the wine, the vineyards, and the people. In Europe’s historic wine regions, brotherhoods (known in France as confréries) or guilds have flourished for centuries. Many remain to this day, with their spirit now thriving in other, newer wine regions around the world.

Members gather to celebrate their wines, their region, local food, and good company. The Wine Guild of the United Kingdom upholds these traditions, celebrating both the wines of the world and its own vibrant homegrown wine industry.

The Wine Guild’s ceremonial regalia includes a banner, a mace and a decorated Vine. The Vine is used in the ‘intronisation’ (or enrolment) of new members. It was commissioned in 2002 from London silversmith Grant McDonald, the design being vine leaves and grape bunches entwining the staff and an elaborate boss incorporating the Guild’s insignia. The vine itself was cut from the Beaulieu Estate vineyard belonging to the Guild’s founding Chancellor, Lord Montagu.

Each member has an individual heavy medallion with the Guild’s crest in full colour

Ceremonial

Traditional velvet robes and hats are worn by members of The Wine Guild’s Council when new members are intronised and on overseas visits to other guilds. Each member has their own medallion bearing the Guild’s crest.

The Intronisation ceremony currently takes place once a year, at the Guild’s Winter Banquet held in November, when new members receive their Wine Guild Insignia from the Chancellor.