Olivier Humbrecht MW Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Olivier Humbrecht MW has been named as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at The Drinks Business 2012 Green Awards.
The awards, held in central London, recognised those in the industry who are changing their business practices to minimise their impact on the environment.
Olivier completed a degree in oenology in Toulouse in 1987 and qualified as a Master of Wine in 1989, the same year that he assumed responsibility for winemaking at his family business in Alsace, Domaine Zind Humbrecht.
The Humbrecht family viticultural roots can be traced back to the 17th century and today they own 40 hectares across five villages in Alsace. Olivier has arguably overseen the most notable improvements in the estate’s illustrious history: a new cellar in 1992 while retaining the traditional foudre oval barrels; initiating biodynamic practices in 1997 (certified in 2002); and the buying of a horse in 2006 to plough the vineyards.
Siobhan Turner, Executive Director of the Institute of Masters of Wine said: “It was an honour to be presenting at The Drinks Business Green Awards yesterday, but the greatest joy was definitely learning of Olivier Humbrecht MW’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Olivier embodies a sustainable, ethical, environmental approach in everything he does, and his passion for his vineyards is possibly only matched by his great desire and impressive ability to communicate this passion.”