From October 16 to 19, 2026, a high-level delegation from the OEVE Consulate in Romania participated in the 4th official wine discovery tour, the “FICB Wine Discovery Tour in Alsace,” held in the famous wine-growing region of northeastern France. This major international event was sponsored by the International Federation of Bacchic Brotherhoods (F.I.C.B.) and organized locally by the Confrérie de Saint Étienne d’Alsace, with the Colmar area—the heart of the region’s wine-growing region—serving as its epicenter.
Composition of the official delegation
Marius Farmazon – Vice Consul of OKT Eques Ornatus, Proconsul of the First Consulate of Romania
Gratzian Mărgărit –OKT Eques, Proconsul II, Consulate of Romania
Marcello Battaglia – OKT Eques, Events Advisor, Romanian Consulate
A World-Class Wine Program
Over the course of the four days, our representatives took part in a packed program focused on winemaking excellence, fine dining, and cultural exchanges with colleagues from around the world. The tour kicked off on Friday, October 16, with the official opening and a first technical visit to the vineyards, followed by a stop in the historic village of Eguisheim and a welcome dinner and show held at the regional cabaret “Paradis des Sources”
From Soultzmatt.
The following days featured in-depth tastings of the great Alsatian grape varieties (Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris), including Grand Cru selections and Crémant d’Alsace, providing excellent opportunities to exchange experiences with renowned oenologists and leaders of international wine associations.
International Recognition and Awards
The highlight of the trip took place on Saturday evening during the solemn ceremony “Capitoliul Confreriilor Bachice,” held at the historic Kientzheim Castle. The festive gala dinner, created by renowned Michelin-starred chef Éric Girardin (Maison des Têtes in Colmar), provided the ideal setting for a special award.
During this solemn occasion, the three officials from the OEVE Consulate of Romania— Marius Farmazon, Gratzian Mărgărit, and Marcello Battaglia – were officially awarded the honors of the Confrérie de Saint Étienne d’Alsace, in recognition of their contributions to promoting wine culture and the close-knit European wine community.
This successful participation and the honors received reaffirm the active role of the OEVE Romanian Consulate on the global wine scene, strengthening the cultural ties between Romanian vineyards and the great European winemaking traditions, under the auspices of the values of chivalry and respect for our shared heritage.
In Honorem Dei et In Honorem Vini!
OKT Eques Margarit Gratzian, Proconsul II
