Identifying Prospective Candidates

The most important part of our admissions process is to find those men and women who will complement our existing membership. A strong interest in the wines, customs and culture of Burgundy is a requirement.  It is not unusual for a potential candidate to be in the earlier stages of their learning about Burgundy.  However, the  potential candidate is expected to immerse themselves in the wines of Burgundy and by the time of the Candidates’ Dinner, be able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the wines of Burgundy.  Equally important, potential candidates should be someone that other members would like to dine with, keeping in mind that our dinners typically last for three or more hours.  Furthermore, potential candidates should show a willingness to be a regular participant of all of the functions of the Sous-Commanderie de Fairfield County.

Sponsorship

The sponsor and seconder should know the potential candidate well and be acquainted with their interest in Burgundy and it’s wines and also to understand their motives for wishing to join.  Anyone seeking membership for social or business-contact reasons should not be considered.  Potential candidates within the spirits industry are forbidden from using their membership to further their careers in any way.

Once a sponsor has notified the Membership Committee (MC) of their intention to propose a candidate, his or her name will be circulated among the membership for comment on their suitability.  Members are urged to be candid in expressing any reservations.  Any comments made to members of the MC will be held in strict confidence.  The MC and the Grand Senéchal have discretion to place an aspirant on “hold” (to give the membership time to get to know the aspirant better or to limit the numbers of potential aspirants) or that the aspirant is unsuitable for membership. 

Process

Once approved to move forward, the sponsor will notify the aspirant that they are in the process.  It is up to the sponsor to manage expectations with respect to timing as it may take longer than one season. It is also the sponsors’ responsibility to inform the candidate of admissions requirements and assist them in the study of Burgundy and its wines. 

Admissions requirements may be modified from class to class.  For the Class of 2023, they include:

• With spouse, join any two members of the Operating and/or Membership Committees and/or the Grand Sénéchal for introductions and drinks on two occasions

• Attend at least two events before the Wine Committee Dinner

• Attend the Wine Committee Dinner

• Attend the Mock Candidates’ Dinner and demonstrate a satisfactory level of knowledge

• Attend the Candidates’ Dinner 

• Attend the Chapitre

Additionally, we will continue the “Cocktail Party” attended by sponsors and the Executive Committee at which the candidates present a bottle and discuss the wine and their interest in Burgundy.  We will continue with two seminars structured around wine tasting as vehicles for sharing knowledge and building Class camaraderie.  Candidates will be expected to attend these events as well unless there are business or family conflicts.

Prior to the Chapitre, potential Candidates will be required to sign the Code of Conduct.