Preparations

• The following roles should be filled: Presiding Officer, Presenter, Bearer (of the vine stock), Pourer/Decorator, Bookman.

• Societe Mondiale du Vin inductions may be held following Chaine inductions, if these are scheduled the same evening, or may be scheduled at another time during the evening, such as between courses. They may also be held in conjunction with an Societe Mondiale du Vin event.

• Beforehand, costumes for those officiating, decorations for all candidates, and Livre d'Or pages should be obtained from the National Office, a special vine stock should be readied, arrangements should be made for a suitable wine and glasses, and a place for the signing of the Livre d'Or needs to be found.

• Those to be inducted should be arranged alphabetically in the order in which they will be called.

• Those officers presiding should parade into the room according to rank.

• Following the ceremony, the Societe Mondiale du Vin Celebration should be sung.

Script for the Ceremony

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen."

(The Presiding Officer should introduce those assisting and make appropriate opening remarks.)

"Will those to be inducted please come forward."

(Next, but only if their are few candidates, time permits, and prior arrangements are made with the sponsors, the Presenter should read the candidate's name followed by the sponsor's name, who stands and makes appropriate short remarks about the candidate. Example: "Mr. William Smith is sponsored by Mr. Joseph Brown." Sponsor says: "Mr. Bill Smith is  the owner of a vast cellar and a good judge of wine.")

"I do hereby recognize these candidates."

"Please serve the nominees."

(The Pourer/Decorator pours a glass of Champagne or red wine and serves it to each candidate and officer for toasting.")

"Will the candidates join us in the loyal toast?"

"The Toast shall be our pledge to the enlightened discernment and full enjoyment of fine beverages in moderation. Such fine beverages do bind together friends and enhance the occasion of good food and good fellowship. We drink to La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and to the Societe Mondiale du Vin."

"The toast is: Vive la Chaîne!"

"Vive la Chaîne!"

"Vive la Societe!"

"Vive la Societe!"

(The Pourer/Decorator collects the glasses. The bearer readies the vine. The Pourer/Decorator readies the decorations. The Bookman readies the Livre d'Or and certificates.)

"We will now administer the pledge of the Societe."

"Candidates, will you strive to enhance your enjoyment of fine beverages through the application of a discerning palate and through the earnest pursuit of variety and excellence in wine and other libations of quality?"

"We will!"

"And will you always enjoy these beverages in moderation with good food and in good fellowship?"

"We will!"

"Fellow members of La Chaîne! Will you support these candidates in the pledge they hereby undertake?"

"We will!"

"Nothing is more worthy to bear witness to this engagement than this venerable stock. For decades it has swayed in the wind, braved storms, groaned under the rough ice of winter. It has won out over all adversity, welcoming each spring the sunshine of a new vintage. It has resolutely pushed roots into soil, breaking through rocks, seeking out the rare substances that give flavor to its fruit. Autumn arrives; it has offered the world the gift of endeavor. This old vine stock represents all—tradition, vigor, dedication, love."

"Other vines have now taken its place, assured by your oath of finding devoted souls that will appreciate and understand the great effort of the vine."

(The Presiding Officer then announces that the induction of candidates will begin and concludes by saying, "We call ...," naming the candidate, who is escorted forward by the Presenter.)

(The Bearer of the vine hands the Presiding Officer the vine stock. As the Presiding Officer taps each candidate on the shoulder with the vine stock, the Presiding Officer says the following)

"I welcome you into the Societe Mondiale du Vin."

(The Presiding Officer hands back the vine to the Bearer and gives the new member the fraternal greeting, which consists of an embrace and kiss on both cheeks.)

(The Pourer/Decorator presents each candidate with the decoration and gives the candidate the fraternal greeting.)

(The Bookman then supervises the signing of the Golden Pages and presents the certificate to the new member.)

(At this point any further special award or recognition may be performed and any concluding remarks made by the Presiding Officer.)