Wines of Germany mourns the loss of Dr. Franz Werner Michel
Dr. Franz Werner Michel, long-standing chairman of the German Wine Fund and member of the management board of the German Wine Institute, passed away on January 13 at the age of 93.
His 35-year career in the service of the German wine industry began in 1962 as chairman of the newly founded Stabilization Fund for Wine, whose task was to promote sales and relieve market pressure.
Establishment of a worldwide network
As managing director of the DWI, the doctor of business administration was particularly involved in international marketing for German wine. His major achievements included the systematic establishment of a worldwide agency network and the development of tools for competition-neutral and culture-specific public relations work in the respective markets. Through his work, Dr. Michel made a significant contribution to promoting and consolidating the international reputation of German wines.
Family winery in Hochheim, Rheingau
Since his retirement in 1997, Franz Werner Michel devoted himself entirely to his own family winery in Hochheim. He remained closely associated with the DWI and actively supported its work into his old age.
With the passing of Dr. Michel, the German wine industry has lost a globally recognized expert with a wealth of expertise and experience.