South Africa’s wine heritage became a shared experience at the Seventh Annual International Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs (OMGD) Grand Chapitre that was attended by 185 participants from 30 different countries around the world.

Wednesday, October 7th
The OMGD Grand Chapitre programme commenced with a welcome cocktail at the Coastline Intercontinental Table Bay-Cape Town Hotel pool deck, whereby a very rich flying menu and a variety of South African based alcoholic cocktails, sparkling wines and wines were served. This opening event and the setting thereof gave the participants an opportunity to get to know each other and socialize with one another.

Thursday, October 8th
The first wine excursion day, visiting the Stellenbosch/Sommerset West Winelands Routes, whereby the vineyards and wineries of three major producers, namely Lanzerac, Spier, and Stark-Condé were visited and a variety of their superb wines were tasted. The day ended with a dinner at the historical “Castle of Good Hope”, whereby a South African fusion menu was paired with excellent South African wines.

Friday, October 9th
The second wine excursion day visiting the Paarl Valley Winelands Routes, whereby the vineyards and wineries of Nederburg and Fairview were visited and a variety of their superb wines were tasted. Followed by a CBC Crafted Beer tasting, paired with Niel Jewell Charcuterie. The day ended with another fabulous dinner in The Salt Road Restaurant at Waterford Wine Estate.

It is worth mentioning that no luncheons were needed during the first and second wine excursion days as each establishment visited had paired a variety of different kinds of foods to their respective wine tastings.

Saturday, October 10th (Morning)
There were four options which the participants could subscribe to as follows:
• Boutique wine Producer De Toren visit and vertical tasting followed by a Van Ryn’s Brandy Distillery visit and tasting with lunch at Ghenwa’s Lebanese Culinary Kitchen.
• Franschoek Wine Tram Experience.
• Pinotage and Braal: A true taste of South Africa with Beyerskloof and The Pinotage Association of South Africa.
• Gin Workshop and Tasting with Pienaar & distilling Company.

Saturday, October 10th (Evening)
The Induction Ceremony took place at the Intercontinental Tabel Bay-Cape Town Hotel. In the meantime, A Vin de Constance visit and tasting took place at Klein Constantia for those not attending the Induction Ceremony. The Cocktail Reception and Grand Gala Dinner took place thereafter at Klein & Groot Constantia Wine Estate, where the participating members and guests enjoyed the wines and paired menu. They also enjoyed the after-dinner music and dancing to a live band, and surprisingly the singing of the talented Llewellyn Buckley-Marais, Bailli Délégué of South Africa and a Member of the Conseil Magistral.

Sunday, October 11th
A farewell brunch was held at the Intercontinental Table Bay-Cape Town Hotel, to mark the end of the 2026 OMGD Grand Chapitre.

Vive la Chaîne et Vive l’Ordre Mondial!

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