The South of France’s Leading Winemaker Presents Iconic Estates at Impact Awards & Restaurant & Chef Awards Events, Aligning the Finest French Wines with the Culinary Leaders of Today
May 4, 2026 (Narbonne, France) — Gérard Bertrand, acclaimed French winemaker of the South of France, is proud to announce a partnership with the James Beard Foundation®, serving as a Sponsor of the 2026 James Beard Awards®, which takes place in Chicago this June 12-15. The Gérard Bertrand Group, which boasts some of the most acclaimed estates in the South of France, including Clos d’Ora (AOP La Livinière), Clos du Temple (AOP Languedoc Cabrières), Château L’Hospitalet (AOP La Clape) and Villa Soleilla (Vin de France), will serve a selection of its iconic wines at events throughout the James Beard Awards Weekend for attendees, honorees, nominees and award winners.
“We view our Estates as a galaxy of stars, each exemplary of the great wines that can be produced in the Languedoc and Roussillon terroirs,” says Bertrand. “So, it is fitting that we join forces with the JamesBeardFoundation in support of the James Beard Awards, which is the greatest galaxy of culinary stars on the world stage.” Bertrand, who was recently joined at Wine Paris by France’s President Macron to sip his award-winning wines, will attend the Awards Weekend with his team to raise a glass to honorees, nominees and Award winners.
The Gérard Bertrand wine portfolio showcases the exceptional terroirs of the South of France, cultivating estates using biodynamic practices. With a modern and visionary approach to the world of wine, Gérard Bertrand aims at inspiring change and supporting a drive towards agriculture in harmony with nature.
Wines from Gérard Bertrand’s iconic estates will be served at key moments throughout the Awards Weekend, including as the exclusive wine partner of the James Beard Foundation’s Impact Awards on Sunday, June 14, at The Dalcy, which is part of the Foundation’s Achievement Awards honoring changemakers working to create a more equitable, sustainable, and economically viable restaurant industry and food system— aligning with Bertrand’s commitment to leadership in biodynamic winemaking.
In addition, the wines will be served during the Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 15 for an intimate audience of James Beard Foundation Board of Directors members and other notable guests as part of a VIP dinner that takes place while the winners are announced from the stage at The Lyric Opera.
As the grand finale, the anticipated-2,000-plus attendees at the Restaurant & Chef Awards after-party celebration will have the opportunity to sip on some of the acclaimed wines from the Gérard Bertrand Group during the walk-around event held at Chicago Union Station immediately following ceremony. While mixing and mingling with the stars of the culinary and hospitality world, guests can sip a selection of wines from the iconic estates.
“The James Beard Awards are one of the most anticipated culinary and hospitality celebrations of the year, and Gérard Bertrand’s world-class wines are the perfect complement to a weekend defined by excellence, passion, and craft,” says Erica Helms, Chief Growth Officer, James Beard Foundation. “We’re so grateful for their support of the 2026 ceremonies.”
For more information about the Gérard Bertrand Group, please visit https://www.gerard-bertrand.shop/ and follow @gerardbertrandofficial on Instagram.
About The Gérard Bertrand Group
Headquartered in Narbonne, France, with offices in Dallas, TX, the Gérard Bertrand Group is a global leader in biodynamic viticulture. A pioneer in rosé, natural, organic, and orange wines, the Group owns 16 estates (2,300 acres) across the South of France, producing award-winning wines that embody the Mediterranean Art de Vivre and a deep commitment to sustainability. Committed to a philosophy of biodiversity and working in harmony with nature, Gérard Bertrand began the conversion to biodynamic practices in 2002, achieving 100% Demeter certification in 2024 across the vineyards of his estates.In the United States, Gérard Bertrand proudly partners with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (SGWS) across 33 states and collaborates with top regional distributors, including MS Walker, Opici, Fedway, Martignetti, United, Johnson Brothers, Great Lakes, Bommarito, General Beverage, and Best Brands.
About The James Beard Foundation®
The James Beard Foundation® (JBF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to leading chefs and the broader culinary industry toward a new standard of excellence. Our guiding principle, Good Food for Good®, informs our vision of a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable independent restaurant industry that stands as a cornerstone of American culture, community, and economy, and drives toward a better food system. For 40 years, JBF has been instrumental in recognizing, amplifying, educating, and training the individuals who shape American food culture. Today, our mission comes to life through the prestigious James Beard Awards, industry and community-focused programming, advocacy and policy initiatives, and culinary events and partnerships nationwide—including at Platform by JBF® and the James Beard House in New York City. Learn more at jamesbeard.org, sign up for our emails, and follow @beardfoundation on social media.
