schiller-wine: Guy Bonnefoit, the Renowned French-born Wine Expert, Author, and Sommelier, Passed Away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 87

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Guy Bonnefoit, the Renowned French-born Wine Expert, Author, and Sommelier, Passed Away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 87

Picture: Tobias Knewitz and Guy Bonnefoit in 2014

Guy Bonnefoit, the renowned French-born wine expert, author, and sommelier, passed away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 87. His death occurred just weeks after the passing of his wife, Luzia, on February 2, 2026.

Collegium Vini, an association of wine lovers in the Frankfurt/ Germany area.

Guy Bonnefoit was a highly influential figure in the culinary and wine world in Germany:

Sommellerie Pioneer: He was considered one of the early architects of the German sommelier profession, significantly shaping the scene through his expertise and commitment to knowledge sharing.
Steigenberger Group: From 1961 to 1988, he held several leadership roles within the group, eventually serving as the head of gastronomy, where he oversaw the culinary quality for 30 hotels.
Author and Educator: He was a prolific book author and gastronomy consultant, known for his deep understanding of flavors and wine.
Legacy: A memorial service was held on March 16, 2026, at the cemetery in Alzenau, followed by a requiem at the parish church of St. Justinus.

Barbara Wanner: Guy Bonnefoit was a remarkable figure in the world of wine, and one of the early architects of German sommellerie.

In the 50th anniversary year of the @sommelierunion, this feels like an important moment to look back. Sommellerie is still a relatively young profession in Germany. The fact that we now have such a strong, diverse and highly professional sommelier scene was never something to be taken for granted. It was built over time through commitment, knowledge sharing and genuine conviction. Guy Bonnefoit was one of the people who helped make that possible.

I had the great privilege of taking over the Trophée Ruinart, Best Sommelier of Germany, from him. He remained by my side for many years afterwards, as an advisor, as a juror and as a wise and generous companion. We also continued to work closely together for many years in Reims, at the Comité Technique of the Trophée Ruinart Europe.

What he leaves behind is more than memory. It is a spirit, a way of approaching the profession, and an undiminished joy in it. We need sommeliers as ambassadors for wine and many other beverages. We need them as hosts with esprit, presence and heart. We need them especially now, in an industry under pressure and in need of fresh energy.

Guy helped lay that foundation. It is up to all of us to keep building on it.

And the fact that he followed his beloved Luzia only a few weeks later makes this farewell all the more moving. May they both be remembered with deep respect and affection.

Ludwig Fienhold (in German): Guy Bonnefoit: Abschied von einem der groessten Weinexperten

schiller-wine: Related Postings

Announcement: Small Group (12 people) Wine Tours to Europe (Italy and Germany) this Year (2026) by ombiasy WineTours with Annette Schiller

Overview: Rhône Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours led by Annette Schiller - Facebook Day-by-day Postings

Overview: Germany Rhein-Mosel-Nahe 2024 by Ombiasy Public Relations and Wine Tours led by Annette Schiller - Facebook Day-by-day Postings