UK: Family pays tribute to IWSC director Peter Duff

The family of Peter Duff, the executive vice president of the International Wine & Spirit Competition who has committed suicide with his wife in Switzerland, has paid tribute to his leading role in the drinks sector.

80-year-old Duff and his wife, Penny, aged 70, have travelled to a euthanasia clinic in Switzerland, ending their battle against terminal cancer.

Duff, in addition to his leading role at the internationally-renowned IWSC, was also joint-founder of the UK Wine Guild and founder of Alcohol in Moderation (AIM).

Daughter Helena Conibear told just-drinks today (10 March) of her father's passion for the IWSC, which he joined as a board member in 1978. "He so enjoyed the friendships he made through the competition, and the wonderful wines he encountered as a result. I think it gave him more pleasure than any of his other ventures."

Duff's other work-related passion was AIM, which he founded in 1991.

Conibear said: "He believed passionately that there was a lack of voice for the culture of moderation, generally, within society, but specifically in regard to the moderate enjoyment of alcohol as an integral part of many societies, religions and cultures over the millennia."

Duff worked with the late Robert Mondavi to promote drinking in moderation. AIM today has a Social Scientific and Medical Council of nineteen professors and specialists from around the world.