Primum Familiae Vini Explained

Primum Familiae Vini (often abbreviated PFV, Latin: "First Families of Wine") is an association of family-owned wineries with a membership limited to twelve families.

History

The association was established in 1993 by Miguel Torres and Robert Drouhin (of Maison Joseph Drouhin), after they had first come up with the idea in 1990.[1] The goal was to organise some of the best wine-producing families of the world, and to facilitate exchange between them. Requirements for membership are ownership of a winery that belongs to the top echelon of its region and enjoys a high international reputation. New members are only accepted by unanimous decision.[2]

In February 2005, the Mondavi family (Napa Valley, California) left the association after the takeover of the family-owned business by Constellation Brands.[3] In June 2006, the Famille Perrin joined the association.[4]

In August 2018, Hubert de Billy (Champagne Pol Roger) was appointed the new president of the association, replacing Jean-Frederic Hugel.[5] In October 2018, Prince Robert of Luxembourg - owner of Château Haut-Brion, Domaine Clarence Dillon and son of Prince Charles of Luxembourg - joined the PFV circle.[6] In July 2019, Marc Perrin (Famille Perrin) was appointed president of the association.[7]

Description

The Primum Familiae Vini is an association of family-owned wineries with a membership limited to twelve families. According to its members, 85% of family businesses do not make it past the second generation, an issue that the association turned into its purpose.[8]

Every year, all members of the association and their family members gather for an annual meeting.[9]

Current members

As of 2021, Primum Familiae Vini has twelve family members.[10]

Former members

A few members have had to leave after they no longer qualified as family-owned wineries.

Notes and References

  1. Jacques Benoit, Primum Familiae Vini: 11 sociétés familiales réunies, Lapresse.ca, 3 July 2013
  2. http://www.pfv.org/html/history.html Primum Familiae Vini: History
  3. PFV: Otra baja entre las ´primeras familias del vino´, Elmundo.es, 21 February 2005
  4. https://gismondionwine.com/blog/perrin-joins-primum-familiae-vini/ Perrin joins Primum Familiae Vini
  5. Shay Waterworth, Hubert de Billy made president of Primum Familiae Vini, Drinksint.com, 22 August 2018
  6. Jane Anson, Haut-Brion owner joins elite family wine club, Decanter.com, 31 October 2018
  7. Rupert Millar, Marc Perrin appointed PFV president, Thedrinksbusiness.com, 8 July 2019
  8. Cathrine Todd, The World’s Finest Wine Producers Keep Values Alive For Next Generation, Forbes.com, 6 December 2019
  9. S. Irene Virbila, What I’m drinking now: Marimar Torres of Marimar Torres Estate, Latimes.com, 11 March 2013
  10. http://www.pfv.org/ Primum Familiae Vini
  11. http://www.pfv.org/html/fichactu.php3?N=28 Primum Familiae Vini: A new family from the Rhone region for PFV