ANSA reports that Vittorio Frescobaldi, patriarch of one of Italy’s most historically important winemaking families, has died aged 97. Born in Florence in 1928 and representing the thirty-first generation of the Frescobaldi family, he played a major role in the development of the family’s Tuscan wine business and was appointed Cavaliere del Lavoro in 1977 in recognition of his work in agriculture. His death marks the passing of a leading figure from the generation that helped establish modern Italian fine wine internationally.
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Wine Writer Matthew Jukes Dies Aged 58
The Drinks Business reports that prominent British wine writer Matthew Jukes has died suddenly at the age of 58 while on holiday with his family in Portugal. Jukes was one of the UK wine trade’s best-known commentators, with a career encompassing newspaper and magazine columns, books, broadcasting, wine judging and extensive coverage of Australian wine, making his death significant news across the international wine community.
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Joseph Berkmann, Founder of Berkmann Wine Cellars, Dies Aged 94
Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News reports that Joseph Berkmann, the Austrian born founder of Berkmann Wine Cellars, has died aged 94 at his home in St Tropez, with the article tracing his path from London restaurant owner, including popularising Beaujolais Nouveau, to building Berkmann Wine Cellars into what it describes as the UK’s largest family owned wine importer, now led by his son Rupert Berkmann.
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Lifetime Achievement for Andrew Jefford
BusinessWire reports that renowned wine writer and journalist Andrew Jefford was named the recipient of the 2026 Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented at the V d’Or awards ceremony by Kylie Minogue. Jefford is celebrated for his work with Decanter and The World of Fine Wine, and for his deep exploration of terroir.