Championing the Continuing Legacy of Family Values, Innovation, and Sustainability in Fine Wine
July 11, 2025 (Douro Valley, Portugal) — Primum Familiae Vini (PFV), the esteemed association of twelve of the world’s most distinguished wine families, is pleased to announce the appointment of Prince Robert of Luxembourg as its new President, for the coming year. Taking over from Mr. Charles Symington, Prince Robert’s presidency began on, Friday, June 27th, 2025. This annual rotation of leadership among PFV members ensures a continuous flow of fresh insights and a dynamic vision.
For over three decades, PFV has fostered an environment where tradition and progress seamlessly intertwine, yielding some of the planet’s most exceptional wines. Beyond formal discussions, the enduring bond among PFV families is characterized by genuine camaraderie, reinforced by annual gatherings that strengthen friendships across generations.
Celebrating Enduring Legacies and Forward-Thinking Innovation
The remarkable longevity of the twelve PFV member families—often spanning centuries of unwavering dedication to their craft—stands as a testament to profound commitment and visionary foresight. This multi-generational success is a source of immense pride for PFV. To inspire and reward other families on this challenging journey, the association established its PFV Prize. This bi-annual award celebrates family companies demonstrating outstanding excellence in sustainability, innovation, and the perpetuation of family values.
PFV is delighted to spotlight this year’s winner, the Tsutsumi family from Japan. Through Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi, the Tsutsumi family represents the fourth generation of master artisans in Kyoto specializing in refining urushi, natural lacquer. This ancient craft, vital for the restoration of national treasures, is meticulously preserved while simultaneously embracing modern applications, such as on skateboards, embodying a vibrant fusion of tradition and innovation. https://pfv.org/en/pfv-prize
Pioneers in Ecological Stewardship
The Primum Familiae Vini families are not merely custodians of tradition; they are also pioneers of ecological leadership. Members dedicate substantial resources to safeguarding our planet. The Symington family in the Douro Valley, for instance, is recognized for its comprehensive sustainability initiatives, including biodiversity protection and significant investments in renewable energy. Similarly, Familia Torres in Spain has made remarkable strides in reducing its carbon footprint and implementing regenerative viticulture.
This year’s President, Prince Robert of Luxembourg, is spearheading Domaine Clarence Dillon’s commitment to sustainability. At their renowned estate, Château Haut-Brion, he is overseeing a monumental construction project, designed by architect Annabelle Selldorf (2025 Time magazine, Frick Collection NYC, The National Gallery London), with an explicit goal of achieving carbon neutrality in the new wine cellars and hospitality circuit. These new, state-of-the-art buildings are slated to open in the second half of 2026.
A Forum for Shared Vision and Philanthropy
Recently, the twelve Primum Familiae Vini families convened in the breathtaking Douro Valley for their annual meeting. This gathering served as a dynamic forum for sharing best practices, discussing common challenges, and exploring how Artificial Intelligence is poised to influence various facets of their operations, from vineyard management to market analysis. These collaborative discussions exemplify the true spirit of sharing that defines Primum Familiae Vini.
Another hallmark of PFV’s unwavering commitment to excellence and philanthropy is its unique Annual Primum Familiae Passport and Limited-Edition Case. Each year, a highly coveted collection of twelve rare and exceptional wines, one from each family, is presented in a beautifully crafted artisanal wooden case. The purchase of this exclusive case includes a “passport” granting unique access to the premier estates of the twelve families. These special editions are sold to raise funds for worthy charities, an initiative that not only celebrates the pinnacle of winemaking but also underscores the families’ dedication to philanthropy.
A New Chapter for Primum Familiae Vini
As the President and CEO of Domaine Clarence Dillon, Prince Robert continues the remarkable legacy of his maternal great-grandfather, Clarence Dillon, who acquired Château Haut-Brion in 1935. Under his visionary stewardship, Domaine Clarence Dillon has significantly expanded its footprint, venturing into diverse areas such as fine dining, wholesale distribution, retail, and hospitality, exemplified by its two-star Michelin restaurant in Paris, Le Clarence, and the fine wine boutique, La Cave du Château. The Dillon family joined Primum Familiae Vini in 2018, bringing their five-generation history, passion, and commitment to this impressive and like-minded fellowship. PRESS RELEASE
“It is an immense honour to assume the presidency, following in the footsteps of my esteemed colleague and friend, Charles Symington,” stated Prince Robert of Luxembourg. “The Symington family’s gracious hospitality during our recent meeting in the Douro Valley was truly exceptional and a perfect way to discover their devotion to constantly redefining the boundaries of excellence. On behalf of all of the 11 other families, I wish to express my deep admiration and gratitude to them. Over my tenure as President, I intend to particularly focus our attention on the burgeoning interest in experiences and hospitality surrounding our world of fine wines, an area where PFV families are uniquely positioned to offer access to our beautiful estates, thereby sharing our heritage and passion.”
The association eagerly anticipates its next meeting, which will be hosted by Domaine Clarence Dillon at its magnificent Bordeaux estates, Château Quintus, Château Haut-Brion, and Château La Mission Haut-Brion.
ABOUT PRIMUM FAMILIAE VINI (PFV)
Founded in 1992, Primum Familiae Vini is an invitation-only association of twelve of the world’s oldest and most renowned wine-producing families. Its mission is to represent the highest level of excellence in the world of wine; to stand for both exceptional quality and sustainability; to combine family heritage with innovation; and to be ambitious in vision and passionate in spirit. PFV recently established the PFV Prize, a €100,000 award presented every two years to support outstanding family-owned businesses around the world. www.pfv.org
THE 12 MEMBERS OF PFV
Marchesi Antinori (Tuscany, Italy), Baron Philippe de Rothschild (Bordeaux, France), Joseph Drouhin (Burgundy, France), Domaine Clarence Dillon (Bordeaux, France), Egon Müller Scharzhof (Mosel, Germany), Famille Hugel (Alsace, France), Pol Roger (Champagne, France), Famille Perrin (Rhône Valley, France), Symington Family Estates (Douro, Portugal), Tenuta San Guido (Tuscany, Italy), Familia Torres (Catalonia, Spain), and TEMPOS Vega Sicilia (Ribera del Duero, Spain).
