Twelve of the world’s most iconic wine families gather in Portugal to renew their commitment to sustainability, innovation, and shared heritage—electing a new president to lead the way.
Pinhão – In the timeless vineyards of Portugal’s Douro Valley, twelve of the world’s most prestigious winemaking families came together to reaffirm a vision rooted in tradition, innovation, and excellence. The annual meeting of Primum Familiae Vini (PFV)—a private association uniting twelve historic, family-owned wine producers—marked a ceremonial and strategic milestone: the appointment of Prince Robert of Luxembourg, president and CEO of Domaine Clarence Dillon in Bordeaux, as PFV President for the year.
He succeeds Charles Symington of Symington Family Estates, who hosted this year’s gathering at his family’s Douro estates. In keeping with PFV’s tradition of rotating leadership annually among its members, Prince Robert now takes the helm of an organization that represents the gold standard of global winemaking.
A Council of Icons
PFV unites an elite group of family-owned estates, each with a legacy of excellence and a dedication to sustainability and craftsmanship. Its members include:
- 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)
- Tempos Vega Sicilia (Ribera del Duero, Spain)
Together, they represent centuries of winemaking heritage, united by shared values: exceptional quality, environmental stewardship, family legacy, and bold ambition.
A Vision for the Future
Prince Robert of Luxembourg, great-grandson of Clarence Dillon—who purchased the legendary Château Haut-Brion in 1935—has led Domaine Clarence Dillon into a new era, expanding beyond viticulture into fine dining, retail, and hospitality. Under his leadership, the group launched the Michelin two-star restaurant Le Clarence in Paris and opened the luxury wine boutique La Cave du Château.
Now, as PFV President, Prince Robert intends to focus on enhancing the experiential side of wine. “It is a tremendous honor to serve as PFV President, following in the footsteps of my dear friend Charles Symington,” he said. “During my term, I aim to place particular emphasis on the growing interest in experiential wine tourism and hospitality—an area where PFV families are uniquely positioned to share their values.”
Sustainability remains at the heart of PFV’s mission. At Château Haut-Brion, Prince Robert is overseeing an ambitious architectural project by renowned architect Annabelle Selldorf—known for her work with the Frick Collection and the National Gallery—aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in the estate’s new cellars and hospitality spaces. The project is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026.
Excellence with Purpose
Beyond business, PFV is known for combining excellence with philanthropy. One of its hallmark initiatives is the PFV Annual Case, a limited-edition box featuring twelve rare wines—one from each family. Buyers of the case receive not only a piece of winemaking history but also a special “passport” granting privileged access to the estates. All proceeds are donated to charitable causes, demonstrating PFV’s commitment to social responsibility.
The Douro gathering was also a time for collaboration and reflection, with discussions spanning vineyard best practices, market challenges, and the potential role of artificial intelligence in viticulture and wine trade analysis.
Looking Ahead
The next PFV gathering will take place in Bordeaux, hosted at Domaine Clarence Dillon’s trio of iconic estates: Château Quintus, Château Haut-Brion, and Château La Mission Haut-Brion. It promises to be another moment of unity for these dynasties of wine, who—while rooted in history—continue to look boldly toward the future.
In a world that often chases trends, PFV stands as a beacon of timeless values, where passion, heritage, and innovation converge in every bottle.
