Dr. Franz Werner Michel, long-time board member of the German Wine Fund and member of the management of the German Wine Institute, passed away on January 13 at the age of 93.

Dr. Franz Werner Michel

His 35-year career in the German wine industry began in 1962 as a board member of the newly founded Wine Stabilization Fund, whose mission was to promote sales and alleviate market pressures. As Managing Director of the German Wine Institute (DWI), the business administration graduate focused particularly on international marketing for German wine. Among his major achievements were the systematic development of a global network of agencies and the creation of a set of tools for competition-neutral and culturally sensitive public relations in the respective markets. Through his work, Dr. Michel made a significant contribution to promoting and strengthening the international reputation of German wines.

Since his retirement in 1997, Franz Werner Michel devoted himself entirely to his family’s winery in Hochheim. He remained closely connected to the DWI (German Wine Institute) and actively supported its work well into old age.

With Dr. Michel’s passing, the German wine industry loses a globally recognized expert with extensive expertise and experience.