The sudden loss of a life devoted to wine

Pierre Trimbach, winemaker and Technical Director of Maison Trimbach in Ribeauvillé in Alsace, passed away at the age of 69 following a road accident on Saturday 31 January 2026. His sudden and tragic death has deeply shaken those who knew him personally, as well as the wine world in Alsace and further afield.

Born in 1956, he represented the twelfth generation of a winegrowing family whose history dates back to 1626. He studied viticulture and oenology in Beaune, producing his first vintage in 1979. From the start, he strived to achieve precision, purity and balance, all qualities found in Clos Sainte Hune, a Grand Cru Riesling from just 1.6 hectares between Hunawihr and Ribeauvillé. Pierre Trimbach brought this wine to the world stage, where it went on to capture the hearts of enthusiasts and critics alike. As Serge Dubs (awarded World’s Best Sommelier in 1989), so aptly put it: “If there is one Riesling in the world that every wine lover dreams of tasting and savouring, it is Clos Sainte Hune…”

Pierre Trimbach also expanded the estate by around ten hectares, bringing the family’s holdings to 70 hectares today, all certified organic.

Guardian of the “Trimbach style” and a purist at heart

At Trimbach, Pierre was widely regarded as a true purist: a winemaker committed to expressing terroir as accurately as possible in dry, precise and perfectly balanced wines ‘in the Trimbach style’. It is reflected in the estate’s Rieslings, which have earned worldwide acclaim, a world away from the sweeter styles of Gewurztraminer.

Under his technical leadership, Maison Trimbach continued to expand its international reach while remaining true to its family values and oenological philosophy. In 2025, La Revue du Vin de France awarded the estate its “Wine Brand of the Year” prize, recognising its world renown. This also brought in turn some much-needed attention and recognition to the Alsace region as a whole. Pierre himself was named among the world’s ten greatest white wine winemakers by Decanter in 2006 and was honoured as Person of the Year by French critics Bettane & Desseauve in 2017. Pierre Trimbach was actively involved in the governing bodies of the Alsace wine merchants’ union (Instances Dirigeantes du Syndicat des négociants d’Alsace)

A legacy secured

Alongside his brother Jean, responsible for sales and export, Pierre worked closely with the thirteenth generation: his daughters Anne and Frédérique, as well as his nephew Julien and niece Pauline. Together, they formed a close-knit team, united by the same passion for fine wine and the shared respect for tradition.

While Pierre Trimbach’s passing leaves an deep void in so many lives, the continuity of the estate is not in doubt as the next generation takes up the reigns, set to combine a modern outlook with deep respect for their heritage.

iDealwine pays tribute to a true icon in Alsace and his family

“The entire Trimbach family welcomed us so warmly last year to celebrate the centenary of the extraordinary Clos Sainte Hune. On that occasion, Pierre Trimbach and his nephew Julien led a superb vertical tasting. He commented on the wines with precision and simplicity, with great humility, almost stepping aside to allow the wines to take centre stage. His talent and wisdom will leave a profound void, even though he was deeply committed to passing on his intimate knowledge of wine and Alsace’s terroirs. Our thoughts are wholeheartedly with his family.”
— Angélique de Lencquesaing

We extend our condolences to his loved ones, his family, and the entire Trimbach team.