The Jurade of Saint-Émilion Establishes its first Canadian Chancellery in Québec City

A New Milestone in Franco-Canadian Wine Relations

The Jurade of Saint-Émilion has officially inaugurated its first Canadian Chancellery in Québec City, marking a significant step in the international development of this historic brotherhood. The ceremony, held on 12 December in the prestigious setting of the Chapelle du Séminaire de Québec, celebrated both the creation of the Chancellery and the deep-rooted ties linking Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux and Québec. A delegation of nine Jurats travelled to Québec for the occasion, underlining the importance of this symbolic moment. For decades, cultural, gastronomic and wine-related exchanges have shaped a strong relationship between Bordeaux and Québec, strengthened by the sister-city partnership established more than sixty years ago. Within this longstanding dialogue, the wines of Saint-Émilion have naturally found an attentive and passionate audience.

Showcasing a Millennial Wine Heritage

The mission of the newly created Chancellery is to promote and uphold the exceptional heritage of Saint-Émilion, from its centuries-old viticultural traditions to its UNESCO World Heritage status and the internationally recognised expertise of its winegrowers. Québec, widely regarded as a land of committed wine lovers and knowledgeable ambassadors, represents a strategic and natural extension of this ambition in North America. The Chancellery operates under the leadership of its newly appointed Chancellor, Patrick Saint-Hilaire, an entrepreneur in the field of new technologies. Supported by a strong network of enthusiasts and professionals based in Québec City and Montréal, this new structure opens a promising chapter in the global influence of the Jurade of Saint-Émilion.

Intronisations and a Celebratory Dinner

The ceremony was also marked by the induction of ten distinguished personalities from the diplomatic, economic, cultural, sporting and wine sectors, reflecting the diversity and vitality of the bonds between Saint-Émilion and Québec. Among those honoured were the Consul General of France in Québec City, an internationally renowned orchestra conductor, a former captain of the Montréal Canadiens, and a leading sommelier and entrepreneur.
The evening concluded with an exceptional gala dinner bringing together 170 guests, including influential figures from Québec and members of Bordeaux wine brotherhoods. A refined menu, paired with eleven wines from Saint-Émilion, set the tone for a celebration defined by conviviality, emotion and shared passion. Warmly received by all attendees, the event reaffirmed the strength and longevity of the relationship between Saint-Émilion and Québec, while firmly anchoring this new Chancellery within the cultural and gastronomic landscape of Canada.