It is with deep emotion and immense sadness that we announce the accidental passing on Saturday, 25th April, of François-Régis de Fougeroux, Managing Director of Langlois & Hubert Brochard.
François-Régis spent 25 years of service dedicated to the company, its terroirs, its clients, and its teams.
His journey began in 2000 with his first harvest at the Langlois winery. Seeking other new perspectives, he travelled to New World estates in Australia and South Africa, where he discovered new approaches to winemaking. He returned to Langlois in 2001 as Production Assistant and, a few years later, was appointed Production Director. By working closely alongside experienced colleagues who shared their expertise, he developed a profound understanding of the company.
Managing Director in 2008, he has since been passionately involved in every stage of the wines’ life, from the first pruning of the vines to the global promotion of the wines.
In 2022, the Bollinger Group acquired the Hubert Brochard estate in Sancerre, which François-Régis integrated into the Langlois structure while preserving its unique identity. This acquisition, undertaken with heart, energy, and passion, aimed to showcase the three Sancerre terroirs that comprise the estate. This momentum was further reinforced by the inauguration of a new winery in Chavignol.
A man of conviction, deeply compassionate and committed, François-Régis also worked hard to promote Loire wines, notably through his involvement with the Interprofession des Vins de Loire (Interloire), which he joined in 2008 before becoming a board member in 2020. Driven by a long-term vision, he championed excellence, precision, and collaboration. He exemplified a rare balance of high standards with deep kindness.
Etienne Bizot, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Gonzague Villedey, CEO of the Bollinger family Group, pay tribute to “a truly wonderful person, deeply connected to the Loire vineyards, from Saumur to Sancerre. We admire his humility, his perseverance, and his strong convictions which allowed him to elevate Loire wines. Highly committed to his teams, he nurtured their progress and development with great compassion.”
An interim organisational structure has been put in place to ensure business continuity during this difficult time, with all necessary care and attention given to the teams at Langlois and Hubert Brochard. Gonzague Villedey will be present by their side and will serve as interim Managing Director.
Today, our most sincere thoughts are with his family, his loved ones, and all our employees, who are deeply affected by his loss. All the teams at Langlois and Domaine Hubert Brochard will continue his hard work, respecting the values and the legacy he leaves behind.