Emmanuelle Bekkers knighted by the French government
Emmanuelle Bekkers, co-founder and winemaker of McLaren Vale's Bekkers Wine, has been appointed a Chevalier (Knight) of the Ordre National du Mérite Agricole by the French government.
The remarkable honour was conferred on July 31st by Pierre-André Imbert, Secretary-General of the Élysée Palace, in recognition of Bekkers' contribution to the reputation of French wine and to the strengthening of ties between the French and Australian wine communities.
The Ordre National du Mérite Agricole, established in 1883, recognises outstanding contributions to French agriculture and ranks among France's highest honours, second only to the Légion d'Honneur.
French-born Bekkers has lived in Australia since 1996 and works two vintages a year, one in each hemisphere. She founded Bekkers Wine in 2010 with her husband, Australian viticulturist Toby Bekkers, with the aim of creating a fine-wine emblem for McLaren Vale. She continues to make her white wines in Chablis, and her McLaren Vale wines now sit on the lists of Michelin-starred Paris restaurants.
"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," Bekkers said. "I am fortunate to be part of two great winemaking cultures and proud to serve as a bridge between them."
