A ripe honour: McLaren Vale winemaker knighted
A South Australian winemaker has received a rare French honour in recognition of her service to the wine industry.
The co-founder and winemaker at McLaren Vale-based wine label Bekkers – Emmanuelle Bekkers – has been knighted by the French government for strengthening ties between the French and Australian wine communities and for enhancing the reputation of French wine.
Bekkers was appointed a Chevalier (Knight) De l’Orde National du Mérite Agricole by the French Government on July 31.
The honour recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to French agriculture and is one of the country’s highest honours, second only to the Légion d’Honneur – a military award founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802.
Bekkers has lived in Australia since 1996, but works across both SA and France on vintages.
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She founded Bekkers Wine with her husband and Australian viticulturalist Toby Bekkers in 2010.
“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.
“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.”
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