The Union des Grands Crus

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT

François-Xavier Maroteaux

Above and beyond our promotional mission that takes members to foreign countries all year long, over the years the Union des Grands Crus has become very much of an ambassador of French culture – of which wine is an integral part. Held in a spirit of sharing and conviviality, the tastings we organize are much more than mere commercial operations.

There is no doubt about it: thanks to the privileged long-terms links we have forged, we have been able to convey our message of quality around the world. The strength of our grand crus resides in their history going back centuries, but updated from generation to generation... This continuity and a constant calling into question of our methods enable us to progress unceasingly.

We will therefore persevere in our commitment to surpass ourselves and to remain open to the world – the hallmarks of the Union des Grands Crus.

A history

Through time

1973

During a trip to Japan, a small group of Châteaux owners laid the foundations for the UGCB, with the aim of developing promotional activities around the world.

The 80s

Over the years, many prestigious estates have joined the Association. As ambassadors for the Primeurs system, the Union has set up a dedicated event, the “En Primeurs Week”, bringing together several thousand international professionals and journalists in Bordeaux every year.

90s

To raise awareness among professionals and wine lovers worldwide, the Union is developing a series of major international events in Europe, North America and throughout Asia.

2000s

To get closer to consumers, an annual event is specifically dedicated to them in Bordeaux: the Weekend des Grands Crus de Bordeaux.

Today

Uniting 126 exceptional Châteaux, the Union organizes 100 events a year in over 15 countries, bringing together 35,000 professionals and enthusiasts. A unique institution, the Union and its members enjoy a worldwide reputation in the service of Bordeaux's terroir and appellations.

EVOLUTION

An extended vocation

The primary mission... From Tokyo to Montreal, via New York, London and even Paris, the members of the Union pursue their primary objective, in collaboration with distributors, brokers and traders: to meet each year through the world nearly 35,000 professionals and great amateurs to present their latest vintages to them.

Hosted by estate owners or their operational staff, some 100 events take place each year in over a dozen countries. As well as France, of course, they include Europe (Germany, UK, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Netherlands, Russia), North America (US and Canada) and Asia (China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore). The Union has often played a pioneering role in opening up these markets, especially in Asia.

KEY MOMENT

En Primeurs Week

The Union was also the originator of another highlight of the Bordeaux wine calendar, Primeur Week. An opportunity to reserve fine wines at preferential prices while they are still in the barrel, the annual event draws 5,000 wine professionals from all over the world.

INTERNATIONAL

Enhancing an international reputation

In addition to its primary promotional mission, the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux is also an ambassador for French culture, in which wine plays a prominent part. Underpinned by the values of sharing and conviviality, these encounters in foreign countries very often lead to long-standing links of friendship.