Are you familiar with the Brotherhood of Chateauneuf-du-Pape?  Most are not. Yet, you can be certain that this is one of France’s most famous wine regions.

It’s a rare honor and experience to be invited to that place, and oft-reserved for one form of cultural star or another.

And, it’s a stated goal of mine.

You can’t just climb there. Although that might be one way to get attention.

The invitation to join the Brotherhood, and the initiation ceremony, is always a quiet affair – as is the event itself. But, it unfolds something like this:

The guest is welcomed into the Brotherhood at the Domaine de Marcoux, has an aperitif, tastes the wine of some of the region’s top vintners, and finally tucks into a gourmet dinner at The Verger des Papes restaurant perched right on the top of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape village.

It’s rewards such as this that makes trying to make a difference, possibly a profound difference in this world, ever more the worthwhile.

Peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.

Brian Patrick Cork