The third International OMGD (Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs) Grand Chapitre took place on September 7-11, 2022 and was combined with a Chapitre of the Bailliage of Hungary. The event was attended by 72 Chaîne and OMGD participants from 19 countries including the host Bailliage.

Wednesday, September 7th
The four-day programme commenced with a Welcome Dinner at the legendary Gerbeaud House in the centre of Budapest.

Thursday, September 8th
A full day excursion to two well-known Hungarian wine regions, namely Szekszárd 160 km away from Budapest and Villány a further 70 km away. During this trip we visited three famous vineyards and wineries, namely Takler, Gere & Bock where we had professional wine tastings, as well as a winemaker lunch at Takler Winery, and a winemaker dinner at Bock winery.

Friday, September 9th
The day began with a visit to one of the largest sparkling wine producers, Sauska Cellar. There we experienced how they process their sparkling production using the traditional method as practised in Champagne. Naturally, we had the opportunity to taste a wide selection of their products. This was followed by a luncheon at the historical Gundel restaurant dating back to 1894. We were graced with the chance to dine in the same ballroom where the late Queen Elizabeth II, as well as Pope John Paul II, had once dined.

Another highlight was our visit to the 30th Annual Budapest Wine Festival organized at Buda Castle which is a World Heritage Site. More than 100 Hungarian wine producers were present. The event attracted some 40,000 visitors from around the world. Our members had the pleasure of being invited to taste many of these different wines.

Saturday, September 10th
Another unique day with five wine workshops conducted by five different associations and producers. Starting with a Caviar and Sparkling Wines Presentation and Tasting, followed by the junior winemakers’ association Junibor Presentation and Wine Tasting, the Pannonia Wine Sisterhood Presentation and Wine Tasting, the Confrérie de Tokaj Presentation and Wine Tasting, and the Zwack Spirit & Wines Presentation and Tasting. The afternoon ended with luncheon at Budapest Marriott Hotel.

The Induction Ceremony took place later that day at the Budapest Marriott Hotel (the main hotel for the Grand Chapitre) at 17:30, where five Chaîne Silver Awards, one Commandeur, and two Silver Commandeurs were awarded. Thereafter, Katalin Pintér, the new Bailli Délégué, and seven national officers were inducted, followed by 13 professional members, two Chevaliers d’Honneur, one Pair de la Chaîne, one Grand Officier, six Officiers, three Dames de la Chaîne, and 11 Chevaliers. Among the inductees were nine Professionnel du Vin members including the President and five members of the Board of the Confrérie de Tokaj and three Board members of the Pannonia Wine Sisterhood.

Following on from that, a separate OMGD induction ceremony took place with18 new OMGD members being inducted. At the same time nine Chaîne members were accepted by and inducted as members of the Confrérie de Tokaj and Pannonia Wine Sisterhood associations.

Another successful and memorable OMGD Grand Chapitre which all participants appreciated and enjoyed very much. This was thanks to the host country’s Bailli Délégué Katalin Pintér, and her predecessor, Iván Novák, who is a Member of the Conseil Magistral. They were instrumental in the preparation and execution of the amazing programme.

Vive la Chaîne!
Vive l’Ordre Mondial!

Mohamed Hammam
Chair, OMGD International Committee
Member of the Conseil d’Administration
Member of the Conseil Magistral