Michael Edwards made a confrère of Vertus

Wine writer Michael Edwards has been inducted as a confrère of Saint Vincent de Vertus – the first non-Champenois to be so honoured.

Michael at the drinks businesss’ Champagne Masters last year

Edwards is particularly well known for his work on Champagne and is a regular contributor to the drinks business.

He is the first person to be invited to join the order who is not a winemaker from the town of Vertus.

He was inducted last Saturday along with other winemakers from the commune yet only Edwards was awarded a gold medal – though the ribbon for his is green not red.

The ceremony was, according to Edwards: “A very simple affair – no funny hats and cloaks – just a discreet, lovely little medal with filigreed gold bunch of grapes.”

The confrèrie de Saint Vincent is one of Champagne’s oldest winemaking societies, dating back to 1784 at least and spanning the region’s various communes.

Saint Vincent is the main patron saint of winemaking. He was martyred by the emperor Diocletian in 304AD and his feast day was last week on 22 January.

See the top 10 wine saints here.