Primum Familiae Vini Honours Generational Excellence at Le Grand Palais
February 12, 2026 (Paris, France) — Last night, under the soaring glass nave of Le Grand Palais, family history was not only shared; it was honoured. After passing through the newly restored Clarence Dillon Rotunda, the twelve families of Primum Familiae Vini (PFV) gathered to champion a philosophy that places continuity and a commitment to excellence above all else.
Hosted by Prince Robert of Luxembourg, President of Primum Familiae Vini and Chairman of Domaine Clarence Dillon, the evening paid tribute to the quiet strength of family-owned businesses. In a commercial landscape where it is estimated that only 16% of family enterprises survive beyond the first generation, the PFV families stood together as a powerful counter-narrative, representing over 2,800 years of combined history under one roof.
The event united the twelve member families, international press, and distinguished guests for a cocktail dînatoire curated by the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Le Clarence. In a gesture of genuine hospitality, rare vintages were poured from magnum bottles personally by the family members who crafted them, fostering an atmosphere of conviviality and shared purpose.
Honouring the Custodians of Craft
While the wines were exceptional, the evening’s primary focus remained on the PFV Prize. Established in 2020 and endowed with €100,000, the award is a natural extension of the PFV’s own values, recognising companies that exemplify transmission, craftsmanship, sustainability, and a long-term vision.
The event served as a fitting rendezvous for the first three Laureates: Jan Strick of Maison Bernard (2021), Jean-Louis Brun of Brun de Vian Tiran (2023), and Takuya Tsutsumi of Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi (2025). From the restoration of rare violins to the weaving of noble fibres and the refining of Japanese lacquer, these artisans offered a powerful testament to the diversity of family resilience.
A Dialogue of Wool and Wine: The 2026 PFV Generations Cases
To secure the future of this mission, Prince Robert unveiled the 2026 PFV Generations Cases. Strictly limited to just twelve pieces produced annually, these unique collectors’ items will evolve with each prize, highlighting the craft of a winning laureate to fund future awards.
The inaugural edition, created in collaboration with Brun de Vian-Tiran, cradles the twelve emblematic bottles in the very wool the Brun family helped save from extinction. Offered on a first-come, first-served basis, these cases present a rare and exclusive opportunity to acquire a tangible symbol of the alliance between fine wine and high craftsmanship. Proceeds create a virtuous circle, allowing the PFV to continue identifying and rewarding exemplary family businesses globally.
Speaking on behalf of the twelve member families, Prince Robert of Luxembourg noted how the initiative reflects their collective ethos:
“We are the custodians of a glorious past, but we must never rest on our laurels. To honour our heritage, we must innovate for the future. Each generation bears a solemn duty: to leave their company—and by extension, our world—in better condition than they found it. We understand the magnitude of this challenge in a changing world. That is why we created the PFV Prize: to champion the extraordinary families, like our laureates here tonight, who embody these lasting values.”
Building a Legacy
With the energy of the evening still resonating, the PFV officially announced that applications for the 4th PFV Prize are now open. The association seeks to identify the next family enterprise that perfectly embodies this spirit of resilience—those who understand that true excellence is not a sprint, but a relay.
For more information on the laureates, to enquire about acquiring one of the 2026 Generations Cases, or to apply for the PFV Prize, please visit www.pfv.org.
About Primum Familiae Vini
Primum Familiae Vini is an invitation-only association of twelve historic wine families. Their mission is to defend and promote the traditions and values of family-owned companies, and to ensure that such ideals survive and prosper for future generations.
The Twelve Member Families:
Marchesi Antinori (Tuscany, Italy), Baron Philippe de Rothschild (Bordeaux, France), Maison Joseph Drouhin (Burgundy, France), Domaine Clarence Dillon (Bordeaux, France), Egon Müller Scharzhof (Mosel, Germany), Famille Hugel (Alsace, France), Champagne Pol Roger (Champagne, France), Famille Perrin (Rhône Valley, France), Symington Family Estates (Portugal), Tenuta San Guido (Tuscany, Italy), Familia Torres (Spain), and Tempos Vega Sicilia (Ribera del Duero, Spain).
