Caroline Fiot Named Cellar Master at Maison Ruinart, Succeeding Frédéric Panaïotis

Maison Ruinart, the oldest established Champagne house, has named Caroline Fiot as its new cellar master. Fiot will officially take on the role starting January 1, 2026, but she is beginning her transition into the position immediately. This early involvement will allow her to participate in the base tastings for the 2025 harvest, a key step in shaping future vintages.

The appointment follows the sudden death of Frédéric Panaïotis, who led Ruinart’s winemaking team until June of this year. Panaïotis died at age 60 during a freediving training session in Rochefontaine, Belgium. He was an experienced freediver and respected figure in the wine industry. His passing was met with tributes from colleagues and members of the trade who admired his expertise and leadership.

Caroline Fiot brings nearly a decade of experience at Ruinart to her new role. She joined the house in 2016 after studying agricultural engineering and oenology at Institut Agro in Montpellier and business at ESSEC Business School. Since then, she has worked closely with Panaïotis as part of the tasting committee and has overseen fermentation processes during harvests. Fiot has also led research projects on topics such as light strike and its effects on Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, and contributed to the development of new cuvées like Ruinart Blanc Singulier.

Ruinart’s president, Frédéric Dufour, emphasized that Fiot’s appointment reflects the house’s commitment to both tradition and innovation. He noted that transmission of knowledge and pursuit of excellence are central values at Ruinart, which was founded in 1729. Dufour highlighted Fiot’s expertise with Chardonnay and her role in maintaining the precision and freshness that define Ruinart Champagnes.

Fiot expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to lead Ruinart’s winemaking team. She said it is an honor to continue shaping the house’s style and to follow in Panaïotis’s footsteps. She also spoke about her respect for Champagne’s traditions and her pride in joining a house known for its visionary approach.

In her new position, Fiot will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of winemaking at Ruinart, from vineyard management to blending and aging. She will also focus on strengthening sustainable viticulture practices, an area where Ruinart has made significant investments in recent years.

Before joining Ruinart, Fiot gained experience at Chandon in Argentina and Moët & Chandon in Épernay. Her background combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of Champagne’s unique terroir.

As she steps into her new role, Fiot is expected to build on Ruinart’s legacy while guiding it through ongoing changes in climate, consumer preferences, and environmental standards. The transition marks a significant moment for one of Champagne’s most historic houses as it looks toward its future under new leadership.