Jean-Pierre Yves Durand of Roswell Georgia, passed away January 13, 2019 at aged 79. He was born in the Gascony region of France and grew up in Vichy, France. He and his wife Inge, immigrated to the United States in 1965 and a few years later opened the very successful Rue de Paris restaurants in Underground and later in Buckhead.
Mr. Durand was a longtime member of The Commanderie de Bordeaux and Chaîne de Rõtesseur which helped him gain knowledge of all wines and ultimately achieve many awards including the following:
In 1985, he was named Best Sommelier in French wines in the United States and was presented the award by Julia Child. In 1986, Yves represented the United States in Paris at the prestigious International Sommelier Competition. He placed first in the blind tasting category and third in the overall competition.
In 1987, he wrote, Connoisseur’s Guide to Bordeaux Wines, twelve years in the making. Mr. Durand received one of the highest awards from the French Minister of Agriculture in September 1990 when he was decorated Chevalier de L’Ordre du Mèrite Agricole for his achievements in promoting French food and agriculture. In 1996, the National Academy of Television, Arts and Science presented Mr. Durand with an Emmy award for Outstanding Achievement in Individual Excellence/Performer for his GPTV program Wining and Dining with Yves Durand.
He mentored countless young Sommeliers and helped them achieve their goal in becoming Master Sommelier. In his later years, he organized and hosted wine tours to his native France. His entertaining, beguiling and whimsical style made him a popular figure in the international wine circles, but most of all, his wine tastings, enjoyed by so many, will be missed by all his friends.
He leaves behind his wife Inge, his son Thomas (Robin) and daughter Tanya (Darren), 5 grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as his 2 sisters in France, Nicole and Isabelle, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on January 17, 2019 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Rd. Roswell, GA. 30076. A Funeral Service will be held on January 17, 2019 at 12:00 pm in the Chapel of Roswell Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow at Green Lawn Cemetery & Mausoleum, 950 Mansell Rd. Roswell, GA, 30076.
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