Lafayette's Order of Troubadours royalty celebrates the wines of Aquitaine

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 13:34 GMT by The Advocate

Lafayette’s Order of Troubadours recently hosted a celebratory gathering that highlighted the rich viticultural heritage of Aquitaine, France’s renowned wine region. The event, held at the historic Lafayette Civic Center, was a showcase of regional wines, French culture, and the enduring bond between the local French‑American community and their ancestral homeland.

The Order of Troubadours, a Lafayette‑based society founded in 1992 by a group of French‑American wine enthusiasts, has long championed the appreciation of French wines in the United States. Its membership, numbering roughly 120 dedicated individuals, is composed of professionals, academics, and hobbyists who share a passion for the nuanced flavors of French terroir. The group’s name reflects the romantic image of medieval troubadours who traveled across France, spreading music and culture, much like how the members of the Order travel across the country to bring a taste of France to local audiences.

This year’s event focused specifically on the wines of Aquitaine, a region that spans the western coast of France and is home to celebrated appellations such as Bordeaux, Cahors, and Sauternes. The evening began with a brief historical lecture by Dr. Marcela Varela, a Lafayette College professor of French studies, who explained how the vineyards of Aquitaine evolved from Roman times to the modern era. Dr. Varela highlighted the region’s climate—mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers—and how these conditions produce the distinctive tannic structure of the red wines and the luscious, honeyed sweetness of the dessert wines.

Following the lecture, attendees were led through a curated tasting experience. Six bottles of Aquitaine wines were presented, each accompanied by a brief tasting note written by the Order’s resident sommelier, Jean‑Luc Tremblay. The selection began with a light, fruity 2018 Cahors—a blend of Malbec grapes that offered notes of blackberry, plum, and a hint of pepper. Next was a 2019 Bordeaux blend, featuring Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which was praised for its complex layers of blackcurrant, cedar, and subtle oak. For the dessert crowd, a 2017 Sauternes was served, its luscious honeyed sweetness complemented by a subtle citrus tang that impressed many attendees. A 2018 Médoc was also on the list, showcasing the dry, savory profile characteristic of that subregion.

The tasting concluded with a “blind” round, where participants tried to identify the wines without knowing their labels. The crowd enjoyed the challenge, and several members successfully identified each bottle, leading to a friendly debate about the subtle distinctions between the varietals.

After the wine tasting, the event moved to a communal banquet where local chefs prepared a menu inspired by the culinary traditions of Aquitaine. The centerpiece was a classic duck confit, served with a rich blackcurrant sauce, a nod to the region’s famed foie gras. The side dishes included roasted vegetables tossed with rosemary and thyme, and a dessert of crème brûlée, a sweet homage to the French culinary craft. The event was further enlivened by live accordion music from a local band, giving the evening a truly French ambience.

The gathering was not only a celebration of wine but also a homage to the French diaspora’s enduring connection to their homeland. The Order’s president, Marie‑Claire Dubois, remarked that the event “reinforces the cultural ties that bind our community to Aquitaine, reminding us that the flavors and traditions of France are alive in Lafayette.” She added that the Order would continue to sponsor similar events, including a future showcase featuring the wines of Provence and Champagne.

In addition to the tasting and banquet, the event included a presentation from the Lafayette French Cultural Center, which highlighted upcoming French festivals and language classes. A small exhibit of vintage French posters and photographs of Aquitaine vineyards was set up in the lobby, allowing attendees to glimpse the region’s historical vineyards and winemaking techniques.

Overall, the Order of Troubadours’ Aquitaine wine celebration proved to be a multifaceted event that blended education, culture, and gastronomy. It underscored the profound influence of French heritage on Lafayette’s social life and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the culinary artistry of their ancestral land.