A wine cellar master brings expertise and passion for wines, ensuring the HNWI’s wine collection is meticulously managed and curated to meet their personal preferences and investment objectives. They provide personalized advice and services to enhance the wine cellar experience, making it a valuable asset for the UHNWI.
Vincent Chaperon, Chef de Cave at @Dom Pérignon
A cellar master is a professional responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of a wine cellar, including inventory management, wine selection, aging, and preservation. To truly thrive in this role, one must possess a unique blend of skills and a strategic vision.
Vincent Chaperon, Chef de Cave at Dom Pérignon sees Dom Pérignon’s vision – harmony as a source of emotion – as a true raison d’être. This vision imparts meaning to his creative ambition and guides him in the missions entrusted to him. Drawing inspiration from the origins of the Maison; he perpetuates its aesthetic ideal by creating new Vintages that balance the constraints of the year and the uniqueness of Dom Pérignon, and nurtures its creative heritage with ever more inspiring experiences around its Vintages.
“WE MUST INTIMATELY KNOW OUR VINEYARDS AND OUR WINES, WE HAVE TO PAMPER THEM, LEARN TO LOVE THEM TO CREATE ASSEMBLAGES THAT STRIVE FOR HARMONY.” – VINCENT CHAPERON, CELLAR MASTER.
Vincent Chaperon, set off to explore the Champagne region, joining Moët & Chandon in 1999. Inspired by these vineyards in more northern climes, he gradually developed a strong attachment to the region, putting down his own roots in a new terroir. He decided to stay and deepen his knowledge of the vineyards and local winemaking techniques, forging a personal aesthetic of champagne.
In 2005 Vincent Chaperon joined Dom Pérignon. His meeting with Richard Geoffroy proved decisive, the beginning of a thirteen-year apprenticeship during which the two engaged in an ongoing dialogue with one and other, and with nature, nurturing a mutual understanding anchored in confidence. The passing of the baton took place on January 1, 2019 when Vincent Chaperon became Chef de Cave of Dom Pérignon.
A wine cellar master is a specialized position sought after by UHNWIs who have an extensive wine collection and want to ensure its proper storage, organization, and curation. A wine cellar master possesses expertise in wine selection, cellar management, and preservation techniques. Their responsibilities may include:
Wine Collection Management
A wine cellar master oversees the management of the UHNWI’s wine collection, including inventory tracking, cataloging, and organizing the wines. They ensure the collection is properly stored, labeled, and easily accessible.
Wine Procurement and Curation
They assist the UHNWI in sourcing and acquiring new wines to enhance the collection, considering the individual’s preferences, investment goals, and desired wine regions or vintages. They may recommend rare and valuable wines, limited editions, or sought-after labels.
@Dom Pérignon Vintage 2013
Cellar Organization and Design
A wine cellar master helps design and optimize the wine cellar space for efficient storage, ensuring proper temperature and humidity control, lighting, and racking systems. They consider the UHNWI’s collection size, storage capacity, and future growth plans.
Wine Cellar Maintenance
A wine cellar master oversees the regular maintenance of the wine cellar, including cleaning, inspecting wine bottles for any signs of damage or cork issues, and managing wine inventory rotation. Maintaining the ideal temperature and humidity conditions is crucial for wine preservation. A wine cellar master monitors and adjusts the wine cellar’s cooling systems, ventilation, and insulation to ensure optimal storage conditions.
Wine Investment Strategies
They may advise the UHNWI on wine investment opportunities, market trends, and potential value appreciation. They can provide insights into wine auctions, wine investment portfolios, or opportunities for diversifying the collection.
Wine Cellar Documentation
A wine cellar master keeps detailed records of the UHNWI’s wine collection, including purchase history, provenance, storage conditions, and wine valuation reports. This documentation is essential for insurance purposes, valuations, and future reference.
Wine Tasting and Pairing
They have extensive knowledge of wines and can provide guidance on wine tasting techniques, flavor profiles, and food pairing suggestions. They can assist the UHNWI in selecting the appropriate wines for various occasions or meals.
Cellar Security and Authentication
A wine cellar master may implement security measures to protect the valuable wine collection, such as access control systems, security cameras, or specialized wine cellar alarms. They may also ensure the authenticity of rare or collectible wines through authentication processes.
Wine Education and Events
They can organize wine tastings, educational sessions, or exclusive events for the UHNWI and their guests, sharing insights into different wine regions, vineyards, and winemaking techniques. They may collaborate with chefs or event planners to create unique wine and food experiences.
Vincent Chaperon, Chef de Cave at @Dom Pérignon
