Prince Robert of Luxembourg named president of Primum Familiae Vini, leading global wine family alliance

Prince Robert of Luxembourg has been appointed President of Primum Familiae Vini (PFV), a prestigious association that brings together twelve of the world’s most distinguished wine families. His term began on June 27, 2025, following the annual rotation of leadership within the group. He succeeds Charles Symington, whose family hosted this year’s annual meeting in Portugal’s Douro Valley.

PFV was founded in 1992 and includes families with centuries-long histories in winemaking, such as Marchesi Antinori from Tuscany, Baron Philippe de Rothschild from Bordeaux, Joseph Drouhin from Burgundy, Domaine Clarence Dillon from Bordeaux, Egon Müller Scharzhof from Mosel, Famille Hugel from Alsace, Pol Roger from Champagne, Famille Perrin from the Rhône Valley, Symington Family Estates from the Douro Valley, Tenuta San Guido from Tuscany, Familia Torres from Catalonia, and TEMPOS Vega Sicilia from Ribera del Duero.

The association is known for its commitment to family values, innovation, and sustainability. Each year, PFV members gather to share best practices and discuss challenges facing the wine industry. This year’s meeting in the Douro Valley included discussions on how artificial intelligence could impact vineyard management and market analysis.

A key initiative of PFV is the biennial PFV Prize, which recognizes family businesses worldwide for excellence in sustainability, innovation, and the transmission of family values. The 2025 award went to Japan’s Tsutsumi family for their work with urushi lacquerware. The Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi company represents four generations of artisans who have preserved traditional techniques while adapting them for modern uses.

Environmental leadership is a central focus for PFV members. The Symington family has implemented comprehensive sustainability programs in the Douro Valley, including biodiversity protection and investments in renewable energy. In Spain, Familia Torres has made significant progress in reducing its carbon footprint and adopting regenerative viticulture practices.

As President of PFV and CEO of Domaine Clarence Dillon, Prince Robert is leading efforts to achieve carbon neutrality at Château Haut-Brion. A new hospitality and winery facility designed by architect Annabelle Selldorf is under construction and scheduled to open in late 2026. The project aims to set new standards for environmental responsibility in the wine sector.

PFV also supports philanthropy through its annual Primum Familiae Passport and Limited Edition Case. Each year, a collection of twelve exceptional wines—one from each member family—is presented in a handcrafted wooden case. Buyers receive a passport granting privileged access to all twelve estates. Proceeds from these sales support charitable causes.

Prince Robert’s leadership continues a legacy that began when his great-grandfather Clarence Dillon acquired Château Haut-Brion in 1935. Under his direction, Domaine Clarence Dillon has expanded into gastronomy and hospitality with ventures such as Le Clarence restaurant in Paris and La Cave du Château wine boutique. The Dillon family joined PFV in 2018.

In his first statement as President, Prince Robert expressed gratitude to Charles Symington and highlighted the importance of hospitality experiences around fine wine. He emphasized that PFV families are uniquely positioned to offer visitors access to their estates and share their heritage.

The next annual meeting will be hosted by Domaine Clarence Dillon at its Bordeaux properties: Château Quintus, Château Haut-Brion, and Château La Mission Haut-Brion. The association looks forward to continuing its mission of promoting excellence and collaboration among the world’s leading wine families.