I didn’t know Etienne well, but the untimely passing of one of the brightest characters in the wine world has been felt palpably.

3 or 4 years ago, while at Hong Kong international wine fair, I arrange to go for drinks with Lynne Sherriff MW the then head of the institute of masters of wine. It emerged that Lynne was also committed to attending an engagement party the same evening. I was encouraged to come along as the host would not mind.

The event was actually a lavish dinner at one of the best hotels in the city, attended by an international cast of those closest to the host. The host was of course Etienne Hugel and he was celebrating his engagement to Kaoru.

It was a personal occasion and he was visibly excited to be sharing the occasion with his friends. That he invited me in and treated me like one of them, said much of the man.

His star shone brightly that night and, I’m assured, every other night. I’m sorry he has gone, the wine world has lost one of the best.