Remembering Peter Sichel: Acclaimed Vintner, Spy, and Celebrated Wine Spectator Award Recipient, Passes Away at 102

Peter M.F. Sichel, a notable figure in the wine industry and a former spy, passed away on February 24 at the age of 104. His unique life story intertwined his experiences in espionage and winemaking, starting from his escape from Nazi Germany to becoming the driving force behind the popular Blue Nun wine brand in America.

Born on September 12, 1922, in Mainz, Germany, Sichel was raised in a prosperous Jewish family involved in the wine business. His family had established the H. Sichel Söhne wine house in the mid-1800s, which laid the foundation for Peter’s future in the industry. After the Nazi rise to power, his parents fled to France, while Peter was sent to Bordeaux for an internship in 1940, only to be imprisoned after Germany conquered France. He managed to escape, making his way through Spain and Portugal to the United States.

With America entering World War II, Sichel volunteered for service and joined the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), a precursor of the CIA. His linguistic skills led him to run operations involving German POWs and later, during the Cold War, he continued his work for the CIA, culminating in roles such as station chief in Berlin and Hong Kong. By 1959, disenchanted with the agency’s methods, he retired from espionage to return to his family’s wine business based in New York.

After marrying Stella in 1961 and raising three daughters, Sichel successfully transitioned into the wine industry. He played a pivotal role in the rise of Blue Nun, which became a popular Liebfraumilch in the 1960s. The wine’s marketing as versatile and easy drinking contributed to its remarkable success, peaking at 1.25 million annual cases sold in the U.S. by 1984. Sichel later purchased a majority stake in Château Fourcas Hosten in Bordeaux and sold both the family business and the Bordeaux estate in the late 1990s to early 2000s.

In his later years, Sichel became a wine educator and author, self-publishing his memoir in 2016. His contributions to the industry did not go unnoticed; in 1989, he received the Distinguished Service Award from Wine Spectator, further cementing his legacy within the winemaking community.

He is survived by his daughters, Bettina and Sylvia, along with five grandchildren. His wife Stella passed away in 2022, and his daughter Alexandra predeceased him in 2014. Through his remarkable journey from espionage to winemaking, Sichel left an indelible mark on both fields.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!