The public is being invited to raise a glass to charity and the spirit of conviviality when the oldest and one of the most prestigious wine fraternities in the world convenes in Malta.

A delegation from the Jurade of St Emilion, based in the Bordeaux region of France, will arrive in Malta on December 8 for their second overseas visit this year.

On December 10, the public can attend a special luncheon at the President’s Palace in Valletta, during which eight world class wines will be served. All proceeds will go towards the Community Chest Fund.

The lunch will replicate the format that is normally seen during the celebration of the vine harvest in St Emilion every September.

Local wine aficionado and Jurade chancellor Michael Tabone said that much like the St Emilion tradition, the lunch will be a joyous occasion.

“It will not be a stiff and awkward meal – it will be a testament to the convivial spirit of good wine,” he told The Sunday Times. Food will be provided by Island Caterers.

Before the meal, there will be a vocal performance by internationally feted tenor Joseph Calleja – himself a member of the Jurade – during High Mass with visiting fraternity members at St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valetta, starting at 9.30 a.m.

Joining Mr Calleja in the Jurade will be 10 more prominent members of Maltese society who have been chosen to be inducted into the fraternity at a ceremony following the Mass.

Originally founded in 1199 by King John Lakland, the community of St Emilion revitalised the Jurade in 1948, primarily to promote wines produced in its jurisdiction.

“But more than that, the Jurade promotes and exemplifies the spirit of wine around the world,” Mr Tabone said.

For lunch bookings or more information contact the Community Chest Fund or Mr Tabone at mike@michaeltabone.com.