Maison Ruinart has appointed Caroline Fiot as its new cellar master, succeeding Frédéric Panaïotis who held the position from 2007 until his passing earlier this year.
Fiot, described as a true Chardonnay specialist, will officially assume the role on 1 January 2026, following a transitional period as the Champagne house closes its 2025 harvest and begins base wine tastings.
Frédéric Dufour, president of Maison Ruinart, said: “Transmission and excellence are core values at Maison Ruinart. They uphold a savoir-faire nearly three centuries old, which continuously evolves and perfects itself. We are delighted to welcome Caroline Fiot as our new cellar master. She trained alongside Frédéric Panaïotis for nearly a decade and has been a key member of our tasting committee since 2016. She will now continue the work of her predecessor, upholding the precision and freshness that define our Champagnes.”
Fiot is an agricultural engineer and oenologist educated at Institut Agro in Montpellier. She began her career in the vineyards of Saint-Émilion before gaining international winemaking experience in the US and Vietnam. She joined Ruinart in 2016, working closely with Panaïotis on fermentation management and R&D projects including studies on lightstrike and its impact on Ruinart Blanc de Blancs.
Her career has also included a posting at Chandon Argentina and senior roles at Moët & Chandon, where she oversaw winemaking at its Mont Aigu site before becoming head of its facilities in Épernay.
On her appointment, Fiot said: “It is a profound honour to continue shaping the Ruinart style, following in the footsteps of Frédéric Panaïotis. I share Champagne’s deep-rooted respect for time and I’m proud to take my place in the history of a Maison guided by a visionary spirit since 1729.”
Ruinart, founded in 1729, is recognised as Champagne’s oldest maison and has long been defined by its Chardonnay driven style. Fiot’s appointment underscores its continued focus on innovation, sustainability and preserving the hallmark elegance of its wines.
Photo by Alice Jacquemin
