Dear all,

Cristina and I would like to add our own condolences to Kaoru, Jean-Frédéric and Charlotte, as well as to all the PFV members who will sorely miss him. It will be a long time until we get used to the idea that he will not be there at our meetings - but he will always be there with us in spirit.

We wish we could attend the funeral on Saturday, but we will both be thinking of you all and share your sadness in our hearts. Meanwhile, I thought you would like to see what Cristina wrote for publication in the newsletter of the Wharton Wine Club (of which she is co-President):

"Etienne Hugel just passed away yesterday, very sad and very sudden. He was a good friend and a huge personality in the wine world. Here is an obituary for our newsletter.

As a friend, he will be dearly missed.

Wine Spectator article: here. Jancis Robinson's:

http://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/and-now-etienne-hugel-leaves-us

More information on the 13-generation-strong Famille Hugel: here ".

As you may know, Cristina had very close contact with Etienne while working as Brand Mgr for Fells in the UK, since Hugel was one of the brands assigned to her. I know she is overcome by sadness at Etienne's passing.

Both of us send our love and a big, long hug to all of you,

Marimar Torres, Marimar Estate - Miguel Torres

Message from Cristina M. Torres:

In Memoriam: Etienne Hugel

It is with great sadness that the wine industry receives the news of Etienne Hugel's passing this weekend, on April 9th. He was a true champion of Hugel, Alsace, and the whole wine world. During Etienne's time at Hugel & Fils, his vision for Hugel around the world, and in Asia especially, led to the strengthened international market presence we see today. For 20 years Etienne, a member of the 12th generation, steered the business side of the company and was the public face of Hugel all over the world.

Etienne was tireless - he spent most of his time travelling the world on business - never one to forget the tiniest of details. I myself have known him since I was a child, as one of the original members and the absolute strongest supporter of PFV (Primum Familiae Vini) - and I also knew him as a brand owner when I was brand manager for Hugel in the U.K. No matter the context, Etienne's charisma and enthusiasm were incontestable.

Cristina Torres, Marimar Estate - Miguel Torres