Carole Doyard, Dame Dignitaire of the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne
Dame Dignitaire · Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne
In January 2026, Carole Doyard, the fourth generation at the head of the Doyard-Mahé house in Vertus, was inducted as Dame Dignitaire of the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne. The honour recognises her commitment to Champagne and, through her, the work of a whole family of Côte des Blancs winegrowers.
The Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne, Champagne's brotherhood
The Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne is the brotherhood that represents the whole Champagne vineyard, in France and abroad. Its name recalls the “Coteaux”, 17th-century gourmets with a passion for the wines of Champagne. Re-founded in 1956, the Ordre today brings together some 3,000 members around one mission: to promote the qualities of Champagne wine, encourage its discovery and defend the interests of grape growing and winemaking.
What does “Dame Dignitaire” mean?
Members of the Ordre are Chevaliers or Dames-Chevaliers, and may rise to the ranks of Officier and then Chambellan. The Dignitaires form the Conseil chapitral, which leads the Ordre alongside its Commandeur. To be named Dame Dignitaire is to join the circle of those who carry the voice of Champagne.
An oath and a medal
Every member takes the same oath: “I swear to be and to remain a faithful defender of the vine and the wine of Champagne.” The Ordre's medal shows a “pomponne” glass — a small, stemless conical glass dating from the reign of Louis XIV — surrounded by six grapes recalling the vineyards of Champagne.
An honour for the House
For Champagne Doyard-Mahé — a family house founded in 1927 in Vertus, grower-producer for three generations — this distinction extends a long history of commitment to Champagne: Maurice Doyard, the founder of the House, was himself a co-founder of the CIVC in 1941. Discover the story of the House, or come and taste our champagnes at the Moulin d'Argensole.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne?
It is the brotherhood that represents the whole Champagne vineyard in France and abroad. Heir to the 17th-century “Coteaux” and re-founded in 1956, it has around 3,000 members and its mission is to promote and defend Champagne wine.
What is a Dame Dignitaire of the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne?
The Dignitaires form the Conseil chapitral, which leads the Ordre alongside the Commandeur. Carole Doyard was inducted as Dame Dignitaire in January 2026.
Where can I taste Carole Doyard's champagnes?
At the estate, at the Moulin d'Argensole in Vertus, by appointment from Monday to Saturday, or at our partner wine shops and restaurants in France and abroad.