The 6th Annual International Grand Chapitre of the OMGD (Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs) took place on September 3rd- 7th, 2025 in Belgium, in and around Brussels. It was attended by 80 participants from 27 different countries and five continents. Of particular note was the presence of International Vice-President Marie Jones for the Friday dinner and the Induction Ceremony on the Saturday.

This year’s Grand Chapitre was designed to feature wines and other alcoholic beverages that Belgium produces with a special focus on their high-quality sparkling wine production - “BelBul” as they call it.

The Grand Chapitre programme commenced on Wednesday, September 3rd at the Warwick Hotel Grand Place in Brussels with a themed welcome cocktail and dinner called “Belgian Bubbling Night”. The finest Belgian sparkling wines were served for the cocktail and paired with the three-course menu.

Thursday, September 4th was devoted to a wine excursion which started with a visit to one of the main sparkling producers “BRUUT Winery”. There was a tour of their facility and tasting of their superb wines whilst listening to the owner/winemaker’s presentation. “The Taste of Belgium” themed luncheon at a nearby restaurant followed. It featured a variety of Belgian specialities. The journey continued with a visit to “DECORT Distillery”. Participants experienced the art of special beer Geuze and spirits production. Everyone was able to taste exceptional products, namely the special beer and distilled Jenever, Gin, Pastis, and Single Malt Whisky. The day ended with dinner at either “Au Stekerlapatte Restaurant” or at the Michelin 2-star restaurant “La Chalet de la Fôret”.

Friday, September 5th saw another full day excursion. This time it was dedicated to visiting the vineyards and winery of the large sparkling wines and wines producer “Chant d’Éole and L’Impératif” near the French border. Participants learnt about sparkling wine making with the opportunity to taste some of their products. The experience continued with an exceptional luncheon at the vineyard’s own Michelin 1-star restaurant “L’Impératif by Benoît Neusy”.

Please click this link to see the separate article with the video and all the photos from this exceptional visit:
OMGD International Grand Chapitre - Friday visit

The day was concluded with a special and delightful ‘barbecue’ style dinner at the main Grand Chapitre hotel, the Barsey by Warwick in Brussels. It was hosted by the hotel’s Executive Chef Nicholas Tsiknakos, who, exceptionally, was inducted as a Chargé de Missions at the event.

Please click this link to see the separate article with the video and all the photos from this dinner:
OMGD International Grand Chapitre - Friday dinner

Saturday, September 6th was dedicated in the morning to the exploration of beer brewing with a visit to “De Koninck Brewery”. A beer tasting and food pairing followed which included a selection of Belgian cheeses, meat products, and Belgian chocolate.

The Gala Induction Evening began at 5pm at Château du Mylord - in Ellezelles near the French border - with the Induction Ceremony held outdoors. Cocktails were also enjoyed outside after which we moved inside for the Grand Gala Dinner.

[Ed. The video and photos from this Gala Induction Evening are attached to this article]

The Grand Chapitre concluded on Sunday, September 7th with a late breakfast at the designated hotels, followed by individual departures of the participants.

It was indeed a memorable International OMGD Grand Chapitre. One in which everyone enjoyed all the activities very much as well as meeting old friends and making new acquaintances. We give heartfelt thanks to our host, Bailli Délégué Ilse Duponcheel and her team from the Bailliage of Belgium.

Mohamed Hammam
Grand Échanson International
Chair, OMGD Committee
Member of the Conseils d’Honneur and Magistral