After 20 years of passionate management, famend winemaker Caroline Frey has introduced her choice to withdraw from directing the household’s prestigious French properties.
Frey will refocus on her Swiss winery holdings and has helped to make sure a seamless transition on the household’s French wine estates, together with her sister, Delphine, taking over higher administration obligations.
The announcement comes after a latest well being problem that prompted deep reflection on her work-life stability and priorities.
In an emotional assertion shared with the trade, Frey defined: ‘After 20 years of passionate dedication to Château La Lagune, Paul Jaboulet Aîné, La Chapelle Hermitage, and Château Corton C., life not too long ago compelled me to take a sudden and tough pause.’
An emotional reorientation
‘This difficult time led me to mirror deeply on my decisions, my stability, and my priorities. Right this moment, with a lot emotion, I’ve determined to refocus on my Swiss vineyards, and to step again – with out ever really stepping away – from the beloved estates I’ve carried for therefore lengthy.’
Frey’s choice follows a interval of sickness that, whereas resolved with out lasting results, carries a threat of recurrence if she doesn’t cut back her tempo.
She emphasised that this isn’t a farewell however a reorientation, permitting her to nurture her ardour in Switzerland with the identical dedication that has outlined her profession.
The Frey household’s power underpins this transition. Caroline highlighted the enduring function of her father, Jean-Jacques Frey, founding father of the household group, whose imaginative and prescient and dedication kind the bedrock of their success.
‘His presence right now is extra treasured than ever,’ she famous.
Moving into the highlight is Caroline’s sister, Delphine Frey, who has been more and more concerned within the estates’ administration alongside their father. Delphine’s function, initially targeted on communication, has expanded to supervise strategic route and operations.
In her personal phrases: ‘I’m really delighted right now to maintain these household estates and to hold on what my sister has constructed with ardour. These are estates wealthy with historical past, supported by excellent groups who convey exceptional vitality and momentum. Thrilling tasks lie forward!’
Making certain continuity with skilled groups
The skilled groups at every property, lengthy collaborators with Caroline, are well-equipped to take care of continuity throughout this era.
A brand new head winemaker is predicted to be introduced by the tip of August or early September, with the choice guided by a dedication to excellence and respect for the terroirs.
‘There will likely be no rupture – solely a rigorously thought-about continuity, in each spirit and high quality,’ mentioned Caroline.
Caroline Frey’s legacy in French wine is profound. Because the household acquired Paul Jaboulet Aîné in 2006, she has spearheaded a shift to biodynamic farming throughout the properties, incomes accolades for sustainable practices and distinctive high quality.
Château La Lagune, bought in 2004, achieved natural certification below her steerage, whereas Château Corton C. in Burgundy and the Rhône holdings, together with the creation of Domaine de la Chapelle in 2023, have seen renewed status.
Her honours embody the Insigne de Chevalier de l’Ordre Nationwide du Mérite in 2017 and the Amorim Biodiversity Award in 2021.
As Frey turns her consideration to Switzerland, the French estates stay in succesful household palms, promising ongoing innovation and constancy to their storied terroirs.
This chapter, as Caroline poetically places it, ‘will not be an finish, however a continuation. A narrative written in a different way, but at all times with love, dedication, and respect.’
