Caroline Fiot will take over the direction of the cellars of Ruinart as of January 1, 2026, embodying the succession of the know-how passed down by Frédéric Panaïotis.
International background, oenological expertise, and a sense of innovation position Maison Ruinart at the forefront of sustainable Champagne.
Sharp mastery of blends and respect for the chardonnay grape variety, the historic signature of the house, carried by an approach combining excellence and humanity.
Responsibility: ensure the excellence of the emblematic cuvées, preserve the harmony of the wines, and represent Ruinart to experts and collectors.
Increased commitment to sustainable viticulture and openness to the world in a context of climate adaptation, faithful to three centuries of transmission.
Within the Champagne landscape, the appointment of Caroline Fiot as head of cellars at Ruinart carries a strong symbolic significance. Established since 1729 as the oldest house of Champagne, Ruinart thus places a modern heir at the head of its know-how, at the dawn of an unprecedented era of 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 pivotal moment marked by climate change and new societal expectations. The transmission of wine memory, mastery of chardonnay, and attention to detail shape this new generation of wine leaders, more connected to the world’s diversity. From the end of the 2025 harvest, Caroline Fiot will hold responsibility for the blends and the Ruinart aromatic signature, while proudly carrying the house’s colors on the biggest international stages.
Caroline Fiot, new head of cellars at Maison Ruinart: a modern vision for the Champagne heritage
With more than 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 of cellars fits within this creative tension between tradition and renewal, continuing the work of Frédéric Panaïotis. Her expertise, forged through an atypical career 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, its emblematic grape variety, whose elegance inspires each of its creations.
Strategic responsibility : The head of cellars 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 in front of enthusiasts, collectors, and international experts, while maintaining a close relationship with artists.
Key Responsibilities | Challenges | Ruinart Specificities |
|---|---|---|
Blending of cuvées | Maintain harmony and aromatic signature | Predominance of chardonnay |
Supervision of the tasting committee | Guarantee of quality and excellence | Regular and collaborative tastings |
Brand ambassador | Transmission of knowledge and house’s influence | Link 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 of cellars presented such a diverse and modern path. Before joining Ruinart, Caroline Fiot distinguished herself through experiences within prestigious estates in Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, Médoc, as well as through missions in New York, Vietnam, and Argentina. This cosmopolitan background allowed her to develop a global vision of wine while embracing a culture of excellence and openness. At Moët Hennessy in Champagne, she was involved in research and development projects on fermentation management, reducing lightstrike impact, and innovation in responsible packaging.
Scientific expertise applied to mastering complex fermentations and combating aromatic variations due to environment.
Management of cross-functional projects on innovation in containers and viticultural adaptation, reflecting sector evolution faced with climate upheaval.
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 elaboration |
New York, Vietnam, Argentina | Management, intercultural communication | International opening of the brand |
Moët Hennessy | Research and development | Optimization of blending process |
Maison Ruinart summarizes the spirit of this appointment, through the voice of its president Frédéric Dufour: “Caroline Fiot embodies the future of our house, combining a rare mastery of the art of Champagne with a unique ability to understand the world of tomorrow.”
From Agro Paris to Champagne: training, 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 excelled 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 enabled her to oversee advanced projects combining technique, sensory sensitivity, and adaptation to the challenges of global warming.
Specialist in chardonnay and precision in monitoring fermentations;
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 fully aligned with Ruinart’s values.
Key career steps | Years | Areas of involvement |
|---|---|---|
Institut Agro, IHDEV | 2012 – 2014 | Viticulture, oenology, research |
International projects | 2013 – 2015 | Management, oenological innovation |
Arrival at Ruinart | 2016 | Integration within the tasting committee |
Appointment as head of cellars | 2026 | Overall responsibility of 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 that Caroline Fiot takes up, supported by the unanimous confidence of the Maison and the indelible imprint of Frédéric Panaïotis.