A McLaren Vale winemaker has been recognised with one of France’s highest civilian honours, celebrating a career that has been dedicated to bringing the best of French and Australian wine together.
Bekkers Wine co-founder and winemaker Emmanuelle Bekkers has been appointed a Chevalier (Knight) of the Ordre National du Mérite Agricole by the French Government.
The prestigious honour was conferred by the Secretary-General of the Élysée Palace, Monsieur Pierre-André Imbert, in recognition of Emmanuelle’s contribution to enhancing the reputation of French wine and strengthening connections between the French and Australian wine communities.
Established in 1883, the Ordre National du Mérite Agricole recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to French agriculture. It is considered one of France’s most prestigious honours behind the Légion d’Honneur, the country’s premier award for military and civil service, established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802.
For Emmanuelle, the honour is a huge milestone in a winemaking journey of more than three decades.
“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,” shared Emmanuelle. “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.”
Originally from France, Emmanuelle has lived in Australia since 1996 and continues to work across both countries, completing two vintages each year, one in Australia and one in France.
She founded Bekkers Wine in 2010 with her husband, Australian viticulturist Toby Bekkers, sharing an ambition to create a fine wine destination for McLaren Vale.
Bekkers Wine has become known for producing small-volume, highly sought-after wines that showcase the region’s character, with the couple’s signature style centred around soft, silky textures, spice, fragrance and flavour.
Emmanuelle also maintains strong connections with her homeland, producing white wines in Chablis while pursuing her long-held ambition of seeing Bekkers McLaren Vale wines poured at some of Paris’ most celebrated restaurants, including venues recognised with Michelin stars and other accolades.
That unique position between two great wine-producing nations has allowed Bekkers to act as a bridge between French and Australian wine cultures, sharing knowledge, traditions and winemaking techniques with professionals in both countries.
“I am fortunate to be part of two great winemaking cultures and proud to serve as a bridge between them,” said Emmanuelle.
Together, Emmanuelle and Toby bring more than 50 years of combined wine experience across Australia and Europe, with an intimate understanding of McLaren Vale and its potential on the world stage.
Their wines are produced in small quantities and are primarily sold through a private mailing list, with the couple remaining focused on showcasing what they believe makes McLaren Vale capable of producing unique, world-class wines.
For McLaren Vale, Emmanuelle’s French honour is another exciting addition to the region’s growing international reputation, and to the list of winemakers helping put South Australian wine on tables around the world.
Bekkers Wine
Where: Bekkers Tasting Room, 212 Seaview Road
When: Open daily, 10am to 4pm
For more information, click here.
