Lepeltier and Rimoldi Draw a Full House at DFWE New York Champagne Masterclass

What happened

On 5 July 2026, Master Sommelier Pascaline Lepeltier hosted a Champagne masterclass at DFWE New York 2026, joined by Cristian Rimoldi, export director for Delamotte and Salon. The session sold out entirely, drawing a capacity audience of wine professionals and enthusiasts to one of the fair's most anticipated educational events.

Rimoldi's presence gave attendees direct access to the perspective of two of Champagne's most closely regarded houses, while Lepeltier's role as host brought the rigour and communicative clarity that has distinguished her work in the sommelier community.

Why it matters

A sold-out masterclass of this kind reflects the sustained appetite for serious Champagne education in the United States market. Rather than a simple tasting, the format placed producer knowledge and sommelier expertise side by side, offering attendees a structured encounter with two houses that rarely share a single platform in this way.

For Delamotte and Salon, participation at DFWE New York through their export director signals a deliberate commitment to direct engagement with the American trade and consumer base. For the broader Champagne category, events of this calibre reinforce the region's position not merely as a luxury commodity but as a subject worthy of sustained intellectual attention.

Context

DFWE — the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter — is an established fixture on the fine wine calendar, bringing together producers, importers, and wine lovers in a format that combines walk-around tastings with focused educational sessions. New York, as one of the world's most significant fine wine markets, provides a natural setting for Champagne houses seeking to deepen their presence among informed buyers.

Pascaline Lepeltier holds the title of Master Sommelier, one of the most demanding qualifications in the wine profession. Cristian Rimoldi serves as export director for both Delamotte and Salon, two Champagne houses based in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The masterclass was reported by Decanter.