![E-Mart wine buyer Go Ara received the \'Commanderie,\' one of France\'s prestigious wine knighthoods. E-Mart has become the only major domestic supermarket to hold knighthood titles from three French wine regions. [Photo provided by E-Mart]](https://contents-cdn.viewus.co.kr/image/2026/03/CP-2024-0005/image-2ef764ae-1724-4571-80a4-e9ca319c1fa0.png)
[The Public=Reporter Yoo Su-jin] E-Mart announced on the 10th that one of its team members was awarded the Commanderie, the Médoc region’s wine knighthood in France.
With this distinction, E-Mart is now the only major supermarket chain in Korea to hold French wine knighthoods from three flagship regions: Médoc, Saint-Émilion and Champagne.
E-Mart said Go Ara, a wine buyer on its beverage team, received the Commanderie du Bontemps at Vinexpo in Paris last February.
Go Ara was recognized for expanding E-Mart’s premium French wine lineup and boosting Bordeaux wine sales—efforts that helped broaden the appreciation of French wines in Korea.
The Commanderie is a knighthood awarded annually by the Bordeaux Médoc wine sector to people who have contributed to the global development of the wine industry. It’s considered one of France’s most prestigious wine honors.
By adding the Médoc Commanderie to the Saint-Émilion 'Jurade' and Champagne 'Chevalier' honors it already held, E-Mart now uniquely holds knighthoods from three French regions among Korea’s major supermarkets. Industry observers say this recognizes E-Mart’s role in growing the domestic market for French wine.
France is E-Mart’s largest country of origin for wine, accounting for about 25% of the retailer’s wine sales. Last year alone, E-Mart sold roughly 1.2 million bottles of French wine.
E-Mart continues to expand the market through 'Wine Market,' the country’s largest wine event.
Last year, E-Mart’s wine sales rose about 10% year-on-year, and the 'Wine Market' has sustained steady sales growth for three consecutive years since 2023.
To celebrate the Commanderie honor, E-Mart will run a premium French wine discount event.
Notably, from the 13th for three days over the weekend, shoppers who earn Shinsegae Points can buy 'Château Pichon Longueville Baron 21 (750 ml, France)' and 'Château Haut-Brion 21 (750 ml, France)' at approximately 35% and 25% off, respectively, priced at ₩249,800 (about $187.35) and ₩948,000 (about $711.00).
Go Ara, E-Mart’s wine buyer, said, \"I’ve worked to introduce a wide range of French wines to domestic customers. I’ll continue showcasing outstanding wines from Bordeaux and around the world to help expand the wine market.\"
