Dr. O.W. (Otto) Loeb (1898-1974) sprang from a long line of traders from Hunsrueck- the bleak hills which lie between the Mosel, Rhein and Nahe valleys. His father Sigmund forged the family's name in the wine trade. In 1893 he was a recognised wine broker in Trier. Known for his excellent palate, he rapidly gained knowledge of the whole trade. He became the founder president of the Mosel Wine Trade Association at a time when Mosel wines were valued more highly than the most famous Bordeaux estates.
Otto joined his father to build up the export side of the business, travelling regularly to the UK and the USA. In 1934 with the advent of the Third Reich Otto wisely settled in London establishing Henry Gerson wines with his cousin. In 1938 he formed O.W.Loeb & Co Ltd.
After the war the company was strengthened by Anthony Goldthorp - the son of a valued customer. He eventually became Managing director when illness obliged Otto to step down. In 1961 David Dugdale, a customer and great wine enthusiast joined the board. Together, Anthony and David were responsible for building relations with some of the finest growers in France.
Now, 135 years after Sigmund first began, O W Loeb & Co Ltd continue to ship quality wines from some of France's greatest names and the Mosel's finest estates together with newly discovered gems from other parts of the world.