Caroline Fiot will take over the direction of the cellars of Ruinart as of January 1, 2026, embodying the succession of the know-how handed down by Frédéric Panaïotis.
International background, oenological expertise, and a sense of innovation position Maison Ruinart at the forefront of sustainable Champagne.
Precise mastery of blends and respect for the chardonnay grape variety, a historic signature of the house, supported by an approach combining excellence and humanity.
Responsibility: ensuring the excellence of iconic cuvées, preserving the harmony of the wines, and representing Ruinart to experts and collectors.
Increased commitment to sustainable viticulture and openness to the world in a context of climate adaptation, true to three centuries of transmission.
Within the Champagne landscape, the appointment of Caroline Fiot as head cellar master of Ruinart carries a strong symbolic meaning. Established since 1729 as the oldest house of Champagne, Ruinart thus places a modern heiress at the head of its know-how, at the dawn of an era of unprecedented transformations. After nearly ten years alongside Frédéric Panaïotis on the tasting committee, Caroline Fiot today embodies a new balance: scrupulous respect for heritage, but also commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability. Her arrival comes at a crucial moment, marked by a context of climate change and new societal expectations. The transmission of the memory of the wines, mastery of chardonnay, and attention to detail shape this new generation of wine leaders, more connected to the world’s diversity. By the end of the 2025 harvest, Caroline Fiot will have in her hands the responsibility for the blends and the aromatic signature of Ruinart, while proudly representing the house on the biggest international stages.
Caroline Fiot, new head cellar master of Maison Ruinart: a modern vision for the heritage of Champagne
With over three centuries of history, Maison Ruinart is committed to perpetuating the art of Champagne while adapting its practices to a changing world. The appointment of Caroline Fiot as head cellar master fits into this creative tension between tradition and renewal, continuing the work of Frédéric Panaïotis. Her expertise, shaped by an atypical career path and confirmed experience within the tasting committee, makes her an ideal ambassador to orchestrate the creation of signature cuvées and strengthen the house’s commitment to sustainable viticulture.
Family and historical heritage : Ruinart, pioneer of Champagne, reaffirms its attachment to chardonnay, the emblematic grape variety whose elegance inspires each of its creations.
Strategic responsibility : The cellar master oversees the entire cycle, from harvest to final tasting, to guarantee the unique sensory identity of Ruinart wines.
Role as ambassador : At the crossroads of oenology and art, Caroline Fiot embodies the house to enthusiasts, collectors, and international experts, while maintaining a close relationship with artists.
Key Responsibilities | Challenges | Ruinart Specifics |
|---|---|---|
Blending the cuvées | Maintaining harmony and aromatic signature | Predominance of chardonnay |
Supervision of the tasting committee | Guarantee of quality and excellence | Regular and collaborative tasting |
Brand ambassador | Transmission of knowledge and house’s influence | Connection between wine and art |
Vineyard management | Adaptation to climate change | Environmental experimentation projects |
An international and atypical career: how Caroline Fiot embodies tradition, innovation, and sustainability at Ruinart
Rarely has a head cellar master followed such a diverse path anchored in modernity. Before joining Ruinart, Caroline Fiot distinguished herself through experiences in prestigious estates in Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, Médoc, as well as through assignments in New York, Vietnam, and Argentina. This cosmopolitan career allowed her to develop a global vision of wine while incorporating a culture of excellence and openness. At Moët Hennessy in Champagne, she was involved in research and development projects on fermentation management, limiting the impact of lightstruck flavor, and innovation in responsible packaging.
Scientific expertise applied to mastering complex fermentations and combating aromatic variations caused by the environment.
Management of cross-functional projects on innovation regarding packaging and viticultural adaptation, reflecting the sector’s evolution in response to climate upheavals.
Development of a managerial approach centered on transmission and intergenerational collaboration within the tasting committee.
Significant Experiences | Skills Acquired | Impact at Ruinart |
|---|---|---|
Médoc, Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion | Technical mastery, sensory approach | Precision in wine crafting |
New York, Vietnam, Argentina | Management, intercultural communication | International brand expansion |
Moët Hennessy | Research and development | Optimization of blending process |
Maison Ruinart thus summarizes the spirit of this appointment, through the voice of its president Frédéric Dufour: “Caroline Fiot embodies the future of our house, combining rare mastery of the art of Champagne with a unique ability to understand the world of tomorrow.”
From Agro Paris to Champagne: education, international experiences, and oenological commitment of Caroline Fiot
Holder of a dual curriculum in business school and Institut Agro, complemented by a diploma from the Institut des Hautes Études de la Vigne et du Vin, Caroline Fiot has cultivated valuable versatility. Building on these academic foundations, she distinguished herself within the R&D department of Moët Hennessy before joining Ruinart in 2016 to join the tasting committee led by Frédéric Panaïotis. Quickly, her skills and attentiveness allowed her to oversee advanced projects combining technique, sensory sensitivity, and adaptation to the challenges of global warming.
Specialist in chardonnay and precision in fermentation monitoring;
Holistic approach to the creation of cuvées: from the vineyard to the glass, every detail matters;
Mastery of tasting and participation in transmitting the Frédéric Panaïotis style in full coherence with Ruinart’s values.
Key Career Steps | Years | Fields of Involvement |
|---|---|---|
Institut Agro, IHDEV | 2012 – 2014 | Viticulture, oenology, research |
International projects | 2013 – 2015 | Management, oenological innovation |
Arrival at Ruinart | 2016 | Integration into the tasting committee |
Appointment as head cellar master | 2026 | Overall responsibility for the Maison |
This respect for the long term, combined with a unique vision, meets the new expectations of Champagne consumers. Ensuring continuity while injecting new energy: this is the challenge Caroline Fiot takes up, supported by the unanimous trust of the Maison and the indelible imprint of Frédéric Panaïotis.