American Friends of Chambord
We preserve, develop, and promote the assets comprising the Domaine national de Chambord which is on Unesco's world heritage list.
Chambord has aroused admiration and fascination to the world for over 500 years. Placed on France’s first list of historical monuments in 1840, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, it is one of the most breathtaking construction of the Renaissance. Far from being a residential palace or a hunting lodge, Chambord embodies the values of humanism, inventiveness and human genius.
Preserving this heritage means constantly questioning how it can be made accessible to the widest possible audience. With this objective in mind, each year new developments and innovative projects are presented to visitors, a rich program of events punctuates the life of the estate, and ecological actions are implemented. The estate is also developing a strategy to diversify its own resources, notably by reviving its vocation as a food-producing farm.
Chambord’s projects are structured around four development priorities: Chambord cultural and artistic, Chambord educational and social, Chambord sustainable and agricultural, and Chambord innovative. To support us in this approach, we are looking for partners who share our values and wish to promote them.
Fundraisers
Official fundraiser
Adopt a Vine in Francis I'st Vineyard
A worldwide symbol of the French Renaissance, the château of Chambord occupies a 5,440-hectare estate overlooking a vineyard introduced by order of the King in 1518-1519. Comprised of Burgundy varietals chosen by the King himself, this vineyard is truly exceptional and its resurgence is not without historical significance. Through Chambord's Adopt a Vine campaign, three different varietals will be planted on an area covering 12 hectares within the estate including 8 hectares of Romorantin, introduced to the Val de Loire at the order of Francis I, 4 hectares of Pinot Noir and 2,000m2 of Gamay. For $1,300, you can adopt a vine in Chambord's legendary vineyards. With this generous gift: You have the opportunity to name a Romorantin vine for life. You will receive a 'Chambord Vine Sponsor' certificate. You will receive an annual newsletter keeping you updated on the progress of the vineyard. Thus far, 7 hectares of Romorantin have been planted and the Pinot Noir and Gamay plots have been completed. During 2017, we expect to complete the remaining hectare of the vineyard in anticipation for the first grape harvest in 2019. This celebration will mark the 500 th anniversary of the onset of the construction of Chambord and is expected to yield 50,000 to 60,000 bottles of wine. Your donation will help us preserve, develop and enhance this marvel of the French Renaissance. Alternative ways to give: For gifts by check: Write your check to KBFUS, write " American friends of Chambord / Vine in Francis I's Vineyard " in the memo section of the check, and send it to KBFUS, 551 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2400, New York, NY 10176. Gifts by wire transfer or to contribute other types of property: Email KBFUS at: info@kbfus.org or phone (212) 713 7660.
Donors
Constantine Kalpake Edward Rutledge Prentiss C. Burt