News
Champagne Bollinger Parts Ways with Denis Bunner and Opens Search for New Cellar Master
Champagne Bollinger has confirmed the departure of Denis Bunner and launched a recruitment process to appoint a new cellar master at the Champagne house.
What happened
Champagne Bollinger has announced the departure of Denis Bunner from the house, and has simultaneously begun the search for a new cellar master. The announcement was made on 30 April 2026. No further details regarding the circumstances of Bunner's departure have been confirmed.
The recruitment process for his successor is now under way, with Bollinger seeking to fill one of the most consequential roles within its operation — the individual responsible for overseeing the production and character of its wines.
Why it matters
The cellar master occupies a singular position within any Champagne house. It is this individual who steers the blending decisions, manages the reserve wines, and ultimately determines the expression of the house style across every cuvée released. At a house with the standing and traditional practices of Bollinger, the appointment carries particular weight.
Leadership transitions of this nature invariably prompt reflection on continuity and direction. Whether the incoming cellar master will maintain established approaches or introduce new thinking remains to be seen, but the decision will be closely watched across the region. For those who follow Champagne with care, the identity of Bollinger's next cellar master will be a matter of considerable interest.
Context
Champagne Bollinger is based in the Champagne region of France and is regarded as one of the more prominent houses in the appellation, known for its adherence to traditional méthode champenoise practices. The cellar master role at such a house is not a routine appointment; it shapes the wines produced over years and decades.
The departure of a cellar master and the opening of a formal recruitment process is an uncommon occurrence at established Champagne houses, where such positions tend to be held for extended periods. The announcement on 30 April 2026 marks the beginning of what is likely to be a carefully considered selection process, the outcome of which will have lasting implications for the house's wines.