Bekkers Wine co-founder and winemaker Emmanuelle Bekkers has been appointed a Chevalier (Knight) De l’Ordre National du Mérite Agricole by the French Government.
The Ordre National du Mérite Agricole is one of France’s highest honours, second only to the Légion d’Honneur, the nation’s premier award for military and civil service. It was introduced in 1883 to recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions to French agriculture.
The French-Australian winemaker was recognised for strengthening ties between the French and Australian wine communities and for enhancing the reputation of French wine.
Since moving to Australia in 1996, Bekkers has worked both the Australian and French vintages every year. She founded Bekkers Wine in McLaren Vale with her husband, Australian viticulturist Toby Bekkers, in 2010, with the goal of creating a fine-wine benchmark for the region.
Over her 34 year career, she has continued to maintain close links with her homeland by making her white wines in Chablis. She has also successfully achieved her long-held ambition of placing McLaren Vale on wine lists at some of Paris’ leading fine-dining establishements.
Emmanuelle Bekkers said it was an honour to champion French winemaking in Australia.
“When I began my studies in winemaking 34 years ago, I could never have imagined that my love for wine would lead me to receive one of France’s highest civilian honours,” she said.
“It has been a great pleasure to champion the traditions and savoir-faire of French winemaking in Australia, where these values are embraced with respect, ambition and innovation. I am fortunate to be part of two great winemaking cultures and proud to serve as a bridge between them.”
Emmanuelle Bekkers’ Ordre National du Mérite Agricole was conferred by Monsieur Pierre-André Imbert, Secretary-General of the Élysée Palace, on 31 July.
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