E-mart is now the only major South Korean retailer to hold wine knighthoods from three of France’s most celebrated regions—Médoc, Saint-Émilion and Champagne.
E-mart said Go Ara, a wine buyer on its liquor team, was awarded the Médoc knighthood known as the Commanderie du Bontemps at Vinexpo in Paris last February.
She received the honor for expanding E-mart’s premium French wine selection and boosting Bordeaux sales—efforts credited with widening Korea’s appetite for French wines. The Commanderie is one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious wine orders, granted to people who have made notable contributions to the global wine industry.
Combined with the Saint-Émilion 'Gérard' honor and the Champagne 'Chevalier' title it already held, the Médoc Commanderie brings E-mart’s total to three French wine knighthoods—an industry-first among major domestic retailers. The company says the awards recognize its role in growing South Korea’s French wine market.
E-mart is also expanding the wine scene through Wine Marketplace, the country’s largest wine event. Last year, E-mart’s wine sales rose about 10% year-over-year, and Wine Marketplace has recorded steady sales growth for three consecutive years since 2023.
To celebrate the Commanderie honor, E-mart will hold a premium French wine sale from March 13–15. With Shinsegae Points accrual, Château Pichon Longueville Baron 21 (750ml [25.4 fl oz], France) and Château Haut-Brion 21 (750ml [25.4 fl oz], France) will be discounted roughly 35% and 25%, respectively—selling for 249,800 KRW (about $167) and 948,000 KRW (about $635).
