Émilien Boutillat is set to replace Denis Bunner as cellar master at Champagne Bollinger, taking up the role on 1 October 2026. 

Originally from the Champagne region, Boutillat completed his studies at Montpellier SupAgro, graduating with dual qualifications in oenology and agricultural engineering. 

Since then, the incoming cellar master has gained experience around the world, including at Château Margaux and Domaine de la Solitude in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Mud House Winery in New Zealand, Peter Michael Winery in the United States, Viu Manent in Chile and La Motte Estate in South Africa. 

Boutillat then returned to Champagne, where he worked as cellar master at the Cattier and Armand de Brignac houses before joining Piper-Heidsieck in 2018. 

According to Bollinger, Boutillat has earned a reputation for his expertise in Pinot Noir, the grape variety most closely associated with the house. He was also named International Wine Challenge Best Cellar Master of the Year in both 2021 and 2023. 

Charles Armand de Belenet, MD of Champagne Bollinger, said: “We are delighted to welcome Émilien to Champagne Bollinger. His career, his exacting standards and his vision of winemaking will be invaluable assets in preserving and advancing the style of the house, while supporting its evolution in the next chapters of its history.” 

Boutillat added: “Joining Champagne Bollinger is a great honour. Its history, craftsmanship and commitments are unique strengths that will continue to shape its future. I look forward to being part of this collective endeavour, working alongside the teams to balance respect for tradition with openness to innovation.”