Honoring Tradition and Excellence: Jo Vanbelle at the Knighthood Ceremony of Clos de Vougeot

In the heart of Burgundy’s wine country lies Clos de Vougeot, one of the most storied and prestigious wine estates in France.

With roots dating back to the 12th century, this château stands as a monument to viticultural heritage and French gastronomy. Over the years, the estate faced periods of decline until it was revitalized by a group of passionate individuals who formed the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin—the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Tastevin. Since then, this esteemed order has been the guardian of the château and its surrounding vineyards, preserving its legacy for future generations.

Each year, the Confrérie bestows knighthood upon individuals recognized for their excellence, deep ties to Burgundy, and contributions to wine, gastronomy, or other fields of distinction. The induction is no ordinary honor—it requires nomination by two existing Knights and is marked by a ceremonial dubbing followed by a grand banquet in the château’s knight’s hall.

Read more on the official site : 
‍La Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin - Vins de Bourgogne Tastevinés

A Personal Connection and Recognition

Jo Vanbelle, founder of Vanbelle Law Boutique and Knight of Clos de Vougeot since 2002, had the honor of attending this year’s “knighting ceremony” for Claudio Cocca, the visionary founder of XLNC (www.xlnc.org). Jo proudly served as one of Claudio's two official sponsors, standing witness as his nominee was received into the historic order.

This particular banquet—referred to as a “chapitre”—was dedicated to the Légion d’Honneur, France’s highest national distinction. Presiding over the evening as guest of honor was Lieutenant General François Lecointre, former Chief of the Defence Staff of France and current Grand Chancellor of the Légion d’Honneur.

His presence underscored the ceremony’s significance and the timeless bond between excellence in service, culture, and tradition.

Honouring Excellence and Legacy

The knighthood ceremony at Clos de Vougeot represents much more than tradition—it is a celebration of shared values, excellence, and cultural appreciation. For those who take part, it is an opportunity to honour the rich heritage of Burgundy while recognizing the contributions of individuals across various fields.

The evening blends formality with festivity, bringing together professionals, visionaries, and connoisseurs in a setting that inspires connection and reflection. As part of this prestigious event, participants are reminded of the importance of community, legacy, and the timeless elegance of wine, gastronomy, and meaningful partnerships.

At Vanbelle Law Boutique, we celebrate not only legal precision, but also the values of heritage, honor, and lasting connections across borders—principles that guide us every day.