Under the soaring glass nave of Le Grand Palais, on February 10th, Primum Familiae Vini (PFV) has hosted an evening dedicated to continuity, craftsmanship and generational resilience, gathering the 12 historic wine families for a celebration steeped in history and purpose. Guests entered through the newly restored Clarence Dillon Rotunda before joining PFV President Prince Robert of Luxembourg for a night that honoured the quiet strength of family‑owned enterprises. At a time when only 16% of family businesses survive beyond the first generation, PFV’s collective presence stood as a compelling counter‑narrative, representing more than 2,800 years of combined winemaking heritage.
The event welcomed the families alongside international press and distinguished guests for a cocktail dînatoire crafted by the two‑Michelin‑starred Restaurant Le Clarence. Rare vintages were poured generously from magnum bottles by the very family members who made them, creating an atmosphere defined by warmth, conviviality and shared legacy.
Celebrating the PFV Prize and Craftsmanship Across Generations
At the heart of the evening was the PFV Prize, established in 2020 and endowed with €100,000 to recognise family businesses that exemplify long‑term vision, transmission of savoir‑faire, sustainability and artisanal excellence. The gathering served as a natural reunion 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 mastery of Japanese lacquer, their diverse crafts showcased the universal spirit of resilience that defines family‑run enterprises.
The 2026 PFV Generations Cases: Wool, Wine and Artistic Collaboration
To secure the long‑term future of the PFV mission, Prince Robert unveiled the 2026 PFV Generations Cases. Strictly limited to twelve pieces produced annually, these collector’s items will evolve with each edition to highlight the craft of a PFV Prize laureate. The inaugural case, created with Brun de Vian Tiran, features twelve emblematic PFV family bottles nestled in wool from a rare breed saved from extinction thanks to the Brun family’s expertise. Offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis, the Generations Cases embody a rare convergence of fine wine and artisanal mastery, forming a virtuous economic circle that supports future prize recipients.
Primum Familiae Vini: a Legacy of Innovation and Duty Across Generations
Speaking on behalf of all 12 families, Prince Robert of Luxembourg emphasised the ethos behind PFV: a commitment to honouring heritage while innovating for the future. He described the responsibility carried by each generation to leave their company—and the world—in better condition, acknowledging the magnitude of this mission in a rapidly changing global landscape. Through the PFV Prize, the association aims to spotlight extraordinary families who continue to embody these values.
Applications Open for the 4th PFV Prize
With the momentum of the evening still resonating, PFV announced that applications for the fourth PFV Prize are now open. The association seeks family enterprises that represent resilience and a long‑term commitment to excellence, echoing the values cherished by the PFV families themselves. Interested applicants and collectors can find more information or enquire about purchasing one of the 2026 Generations Cases at www.pfv.org.
Primum Familiae Vini: the Twelve Families Defending the Future of Wine Tradition
Primum Familiae Vini is an invitation‑only association representing twelve of the world’s most historic wine families, each dedicated to preserving and promoting the values of family ownership. The member estates include Marchesi Antinori, Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Joseph Drouhin, Domaine Clarence Dillon, Egon Müller Scharzhof, Famille Hugel, Pol Roger, Famille Perrin, Symington Family Estates, Tenuta San Guido, Familia Torres and Tempos Vega Sicilia. Together, they safeguard a tradition built on continuity, trust and excellence—values they are determined to pass on to future generations.
