60 Candles for Independent Winemakers

On 3 June, Privatwënzer ASBL celebrated its 60th anniversary. Much has changed between 1966 and 2026, but the objectives of its members remain the same. We spoke with four members of the committee.

With 50 wineries, 28 grape growers, 13 different grape varieties and around 40% of the country’s vineyard area, the association represents an important part of Luxembourg’s wine industry. Since 1966, they have defended the interests of independent wine estates and succeeded in making its voice heard at all key decision-making tables. “We are, in a way, a trade union that represents the demands and needs of small wine estates before agricultural authorities and national policymakers. Without such an organisation, we would not have the necessary weight when dealing with larger structures,” explains Guy Krier, President of the Privatwënzer ASBL.

The association was founded alongside the country’s first wine cooperative (today Domaines Vinsmoselle), essentially as a counterpart intended to preserve a certain balance. “At the time, the State mainly supported the Domaines Vinsmoselle operations, and we did not have a real platform through which we could express our wishes or grievances.” Public support was a central issue at the time, as anyone wishing to remain competitive on the market must continuously modernise their cellar facilities, and new equipment requires considerable investment. “There was also a desire to contribute, even as small estates, to the development of the Marque Nationale, because independent winemakers often have a different perspective from cooperative winemakers on many issues,” continues Guy Krier.

As early as 1965, the Fonds de Solidarité Viticole had been established to support Luxembourg’s wine industry. Here too, the small wine estates wanted to be represented on an equal footing alongside the cooperative and the wine traders, so that they could jointly contribute to the development of the Moselle wine economy. The guiding principle of the association remains its commitment to quality. “Our individuality, our diversity and the exclusivity of our products are our greatest strengths. They have a positive impact on the entire region and contribute to its recognition and appreciation,” emphasises the President.

The association has notably been strongly committed to achieving a clearer delimitation of vineyard sites and wine-growing terroirs. In doing so, it actively contributed to ensuring that Luxembourg wines carry not only the national quality label of the Marque Nationale, but also the EU-recognised Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) – Moselle Luxembourgeoise.

In general, acting as a group is beneficial, as many aspects of the profession have become more bureaucratic and more complex in recent years, explain Luc Kohll, the longest-serving member of the committee, and Jeff Konsbruck, one of its younger members.

“Today, a winemaker spends many hours in front of a computer rather than in the vineyard. The association keeps track of a wide range of matters, particularly administrative and legal issues, which provides tremendous support and relief for each of us as individuals.”

Collective advertising, better prices through joint purchasing, and a central point of contact for questions: the Privatwënzer ASBL offers its members not only greater political influence and visibility, but also genuine day-to-day support. This is particularly true thanks to Jean Cao-Romero, the independent winemakers’ shared Technical Director and Advisor. “He advises us on vineyard management, the choice of fertilisers, soil quality and cellar work. He also leads seminars and attends conferences abroad, ensuring that the latest developments and information are continuously brought back to Luxembourg,” explains Jean-Marc Schlink, Treasurer of the association.