Wine brotherhoods are mostly non-profit associations or communities whose members are united by a common love of wine. The goals and purpose are very aptly described, for example, in the guiding principle of the "Austrian Wine Brotherhood", which is certainly generally valid for most: an association of men who stand up for the authenticity and genuineness of wine, respect it as a "chivalrous" beverage and who are dedicated to the cultivation of wine culture and the dissemination of knowledge about wine, its history and cultural-historical significance . There are of course also wine sisterhoods or associations with representatives of both sexes. In every country there are numerous such associations, which also pursue marketing and commercial goals. One of the most famous and oldest wine brotherhoods in the world is the Burgundian Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. See also under Confrérie vineuse.
![]()
The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena