Obituary: Maison Ruinart’s Cellar Master Frédéric Panaïotis

On 15 June 2025, Maison Ruinart announced the sudden passing of Frédéric Panaïotis, the Maison’s Cellar Master for 18 years and an iconic name in the world of Champagne. Panaïotis is described by the Maison as a warm and attentive man, representing the region’s finest attributes: "His passion, high standards, vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence have left a lasting mark on Maison Ruinart. A brilliant oenologist and a man of great warmth and attentiveness, he embodied the spirit of Champagne with both elegance and humility worldwide."

Panaïotis had always been deeply connected to the Champagne region. Growing up, he would harvest Chardonnay grapes from his grandparents’ vineyards, solidifying his professional calling early on. He studied Viticulture and Oenology at the Insitut National Agronomique Paris-Grignon and in 1988 obtained a National Diploma in Oenology. After three years spent travelling between France and California, Panaïotis returned to Champagne to join the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne. In 2007, he joined Maison Ruinart as Cellar Master, still with a particular focus and expertise on Chardonnay grapes. 

He oversaw the blending of all Ruinart Cuvées, from non-vintage wines to the prestige Champagnes, the revered Dom Ruinart and Dom Ruinart Rosé

The Maison particularly credits Panaïotis' advocacy for sustainable practices and the introduction of the second skin case, vitiforestry in the vineyards, and a return to cork ageing for Dom Ruinart.

President of Maison Ruinart, Frédéric Dufour, described Panaïotis as a unique personality: “Highly rational and deeply sensitive at the same time. Passionate, curious, committed, a man of science and knowledge, guided by immense humility. We will miss him deeply."

Frédéric Panaïotis 1964-2025