12 Wines from 12 members of PFV
Photo by Yuri Shima
I vividly remember the first time when I had the opportunity to learn about “Primum Familiae Vini” (PFV), an association of 12 wine producers recognized among the most prestigious and influential in the global wine world. It was in 2019, when I attended their annual gathering held at Champagne Pol Roger in Épernay, France. What left a lasting impression on me was not only the exceptional wines they produce, but even more so the people and families behind them—their mission, values and authenticity. Since then, I have closely followed PFV’s activities and its contributions to the world of wine and beyond.
One of the things which makes PFV unique is that its membership is limited to family-owned wineries. At a time when the wine business—like many other industries—is increasingly dominated by large corporations owning multiple brands, PFV strongly believes in the importance of family ownership, continuity and the passing of heritage from one generation to the next.
As I mentioned in my previous post, wine is a sophisticated craft, built on the culture, history and tradition. This exactly applies to the wines of PFV members, which are the result of knowledge and experiences passed down through generations, embodying each family’s legacy and craftsmanship. Preserving and growing a family-run business over multiple generations is not easy. Even for top-class wine producers like PFV members have faced the challenge. They have formed this association, where they regularly gather and share their talents, ideas and knowledges, in pursuit of excellence in wine and a determination to pass the passion to the next generation.
The PFV’s activities and ambition extend beyond its own membership, with a broader mission to contribute positively to the society. As part of this commitment, it has created the €100,000 PFV Prize to support other multi-generational family companies across the world. The objective is “to reward family companies that represent the best values in terms of continuity, excellence, contribution to the community, protection of the environment, and who are focused on the preservation of hand-crafted traditions and skills.” The most recent winner for the PFV Prize is “Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi,” a fourth-generation Japanese lacquer refining company based in Kyoto.
The PFV now calls for an application for the next “2027 PFV Prize.”
PFV members at its annual gathering event
Photo by Yuri Shima
ABOUT PRIMUM FAMILIAE VINI
Primum Familiae Vini is an invitation-only organization of twelve of the world’s most historic and lauded wine producers. Their mission is to represent the highest level of excellence in the world of wine; to be synonymous with both exquisite quality and sustainability; to blend family heritage and innovation; and to be aspirational through their vision and passion.
THE TWELVE MEMBERS OF THE PFV
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), Pol Roger (Champagne, France), Famille Perrin (Rhône Valley, France), Symington Family Estates (Portugal), Tenuta San Guido (Tuscany, Italy), Familia Torres (Catalonia, Spain) and Tempos Vega Sicilia (Ribera del Duero, Spain).
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/yurishima/2026/01/24/primum-familiae-vini-the-worlds-leading-family-owned-wine-producers/
