French land estate mogul, Caroline Frey, shifts attention from French properties to concentrate on Swiss vineyards.
Renowned winemaker Caroline Frey has announced a significant change in her career, stepping back from her French wine estates in 2025 to focus on developing vineyards in Switzerland [1][2]. This strategic shift marks a notable change in her wine-making journey and business focus.
Timeline
The announcement of Caroline Frey's departure from French estate management was noted around August 2025 [1][2]. Prior to this, she had been prominently associated with prestigious French vineyards, particularly in Burgundy.
New Leadership at French Estates
While the details about who exactly assumes her roles at the French estates are not explicitly detailed in the search results, this transition implies a change in management for those properties she previously led. This change coincides with broader leadership movements in related wine families and companies, such as the Symington Family Estates, where new family members take on leadership roles [1].
Focus on Swiss Vineyards
Caroline Frey is directing her efforts towards Swiss vineyards, indicating an investment and development strategy in Swiss terroirs, which is gaining international attention for quality wine production [1][2]. This shift may reflect emerging trends or personal/strategic motivations to cultivate Swiss wine varieties and markets.
Impact on the Wine Industry
Frey's move exemplifies a growing diversification in European wine production, as prominent vintners expand beyond traditional French domains. Her withdrawal from French estates could lead to shifts in production styles or ownership influence there, while potentially accelerating the prestige and market presence of Swiss wines. This transition highlights broader industry trends of innovation, global diversification, and leadership renewal within storied wine families.
Legacy in French Wine
Under her leadership, Château La Lagune achieved organic certification, while Château Corton C. and the Rhône holdings saw renewed prestige. Caroline Frey has earned accolades for her sustainable practices and exceptional quality in French wine. She has also spearheaded a shift to biodynamic farming across the properties [1][2].
Continuity at French Estates
The French estates, despite Caroline Frey's departure, remain in capable family hands, promising ongoing innovation and fidelity to their storied terroirs. Delphine Frey, who initially focused on communication, has expanded her role to oversee strategic direction and operations. She expressed excitement about taking care of the family estates and continuing what her sister has built [1][2].
Looking Forward
A new head winemaker will be appointed by the end of August or early September. The selection will be guided by a commitment to excellence and respect for the terroirs. Jean-Jacques Frey, founder of the family group, continues to play an enduring role in the family's success [1][2].
In summary, Caroline Frey's departure from French estates in 2025 to concentrate on Swiss vineyards marks a notable change in her career and could have significant implications for both French and Swiss wine industries, reflecting leadership transitions and evolving market dynamics [1][2]. The French estates, supported by teams who have collaborated with Caroline for a long time, ensure continuity during this period.
[1] Le Monde, "Caroline Frey quitte ses domaines de vins français pour se concentrer en Suisse", 2025. [2] Decanter, "Caroline Frey departs French estates to focus on Swiss vineyards", 2025.
- The wine industry is witnessing a growing diversification in Europe, as vintners like Caroline Frey expand beyond traditional French domains, investing in vineyards in Switzerland.
- Frey's shift from French estate management to developing Swiss vineyards is attracting international attention for the quality wine production in Switzerland.
- This change may reflect emerging trends or personal/strategic motivations to cultivate Swiss wine varieties and markets.
- In the realm of workplace-wellness, Delphine Frey, who once focused on communication, has expanded her role to oversee strategic direction and operations at the French estates.
- Data and cloud computing will play a crucial role in future decision-making processes within these vineyards, ensuring efficient management and optimization of resources.
- In health-and-wellness, the family-run businesses remain committed to sustainable practices, as evident through Caroline Frey's focus on biodynamic farming.
- Given her pioneering efforts in organic certification and a practice shift to biodynamic farming, Caroline Frey has earned accolades for her exceptional quality in French wine.
- To maintain the prestige and market presence of French wines, the emergence of skilled leaders who will uphold tradition and innovation is paramount.
- In the field of sports and sports-betting, the new head winemaker at the French estates will be selected with a commitment to excellence and respect for the terroirs, much like a star basketball player is drafted for their skills and upside potential.
- With strategic change comes the necessity for career-development opportunities, as the departure of Caroline Frey paves the way for new leaders to take on management roles within the wine family.
- In education-and-self-development, wine tastings and courses provide essential skills-training for those aiming to enter the world of wine, especially during this time when the industry is experiencing leadership transitions.
- In the realm of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and food-and-drink, the success of Caroline Frey and her family's wine businesses aligns with the principles of personal-growth and career-development, demonstrating that dedication, hard work, and innovative thinking can lead to remarkable accomplishments.
- As Frey's departure coincides with broader leadership movements in related wine families and companies, this could also be an opportunity for businesses to explore new strategies through technology, such as weather-forecasting systems for optimizing vineyard management.
- The transformation within the wine industry, driven by visionary leaders like Caroline Frey, serves as a shining example of how business, finance, science, and technology intertwine to create lasting changes in the realm of home-and-garden, health-and-wellness, and beyond.
