When the Romanian Consulate of the Ordo Equestris Vini Europae proclaims “In Honorem Dei et In Honorem Vini”, you cannot help but think, first of all, of the Legate of Pitesti, which was the original nucleus of our organization. On a cold day at the end of winter, 15 years ago, Pitești witnessed a unique procession, then a lavish ceremony based on a centuries-old ritual, reminiscent, for some, King Arthur history buffs, of fairy-tale times. But then, on March 20, 2009, at the Knights’ Round Table, at the Town Hall of the city, the characters who believed in “Amicitia per Vinum” gathered, led by the OEVE Ambassador Joseph von Jenei, and the first leader of the Legate of Argeșe, Brother Marius Farmazon. Coming from the world of art collecting, he knew how to interpret the symbolism of the Order’s coat of arms and was set on great deeds. The ceremonies for the accreditation and induction of new members followed one after the other at a hectic pace, with more and more eager to learn the secrets of the liquors of the variety. And the parades became much more complex: the banners fluttered sembly, the brass of the brass band resounded more and more harmoniously, the chalice became a spring of living water watched over by an enlightened minister of the church, the wine was a special one under the Terra Valachorum brand, the colonnades naturally changed their luster, the cloaks had crosses woven with gold thread, and the solemnities lost the apparent timidity of the beginnings, and were interspersed at times with little moments of play, when, for example, guests arriving from afar could admire the uninhibited cheerleaders and horsemen, as if they had stepped out of the days of the country dismountants, and sometimes even the glee-horns, which were the necessary link with the local folkloric tradition. As events unfolded, the scope of the Organization became more and more evident, and the self-awareness of all the members took on new dimensions and a desired depth. The quality of elevated sentiments was thus sedimented, harmoniously interwoven with the ever-increasing quantity. The photographers’ blitzes succeeded in better and better capturing the handing over of the hrisbeati and other insignia attesting to membership of the Confraternity, which claimed to be part of the Order of St. George, reaching into history until 1273, but being haloed by the achievements of the present and becoming more current than ever in a happy diachrony. The Agape at the Castle and beyond have been transformed into Balls, such as the one on the evening of November 30, 2024, highlighting the complexity of human relationships between older and newer members, united under the sign of solidarity imposed by the oenological culture fully assumed. The Legate has evolved on many levels, and Eques Ornatus Marius Farmazon, who has naturally attained the dignity of Proconsul Senator, manages the work of the national consulate and has handed the baton of Pitești to other worthy confreres: Marcello Battaglia, Paul Stoicescu-Drăgușin, Marian Cazacu, Benedetto dell*Aria and, since this year, Dan Preda. Over time, all of them have acquired the status of Eques and have increased their attributions and responsibilities as valuable members of the Consular Forum and the Consular Council. Being a member of the Pitești Legate and, implicitly, of the Romanian Consulate of the European Order of the Knights of the Knights of Wine is more and more a privilege of great importance, rightly coveted by those who wish to join the elite of the Bahian civilization and to proudly wear the cross of the Order, which attests the dignified appropriation of the knightly virtues.
Today, we find the Legatul Pitești Legate better than ever, eager for new adventures and challenges in the marvelous realm of oenology, of the culture of beauty in general. The recent Anniversary Ball on Saturday, November 30, is ample proof of this: a complex show (in which the Confratelli Giorgio Ciabattoni and Radu Ciordaș, as well as the Marinescu Band, were outstanding), a gala menu, exceptional wines and, above all, a superb atmosphere, which consecrated a true hymn of friendship. The members of the Pitești Legate participated and were actively involved in the Anniversary Celebration, and the guests from the entire Romanian Consulate of the OEVE enjoyed this festive moment with them, which the Argesian Brothers promise to repeat as often as possible in multiple forms. FRIENDSHIP PER VINUM!
Eques Dan-Silviu Boerescu
Image, Communication and PR Advisor
