Domaine de La Chapelle, a well-known estate in the Hermitage appellation in France’s Rhône Valley, has announced the appointment of Chiara Pepe, winemaker from the renowned Italian winemaking family Emidio Pepe, as Head of Viticulture and Winemaking, effective January 2026.
According to the estate, from the 2026 vintage onwards, Chiara Pepe will divide her time between Domaine de La Chapelle and her family estate, Emidio Pepe, where she will continue to serve as resident winemaker.
For Domaine de La Chapelle, the appointment marks a significant step in its long-term terroir-driven strategy.
Located in the northern Rhône’s core Hermitage appellation, the estate has, since its acquisition by the Frey family in 2006, focused on refining vineyard management and adopting sustainable farming practices to deepen its expression of historic terroirs.
Delphine Frey, who oversees the estate, said La Chapelle is a site with a unique identity and deep historical roots, and that Chiara Pepe’s understanding of viticulture and natural farming aligns closely with the estate’s direction.
“She combines the discipline and respect required to steward this remarkable place,” Frey said.
In Frey’s view, La Chapelle is not merely a vineyard, but a legacy shaped by time and emotion—making the choice of collaborators especially critical.
Chiara Pepe hails from the Emidio Pepe estate in Abruzzo, one of Italy’s most respected producers and a benchmark for traditional and natural winemaking since its founding in the 1960s.
As a third-generation member of the family, Pepe has taken on increasing responsibility in both winemaking and estate management in recent years. Her philosophy centres on biodynamic farming, long-term thinking, and close observation of terroir.
This approach closely mirrors the direction Domaine de La Chapelle has been pursuing.
In a statement, Pepe described the role as both an honour and a significant responsibility.
She noted that in the months leading up to her official start, she has already spent time with the team walking the vineyards, tasting back vintages, and engaging in in-depth discussions with long-standing staff.
“My work will continue in that learning spirit, beginning with careful observation and meticulous attention to detail.”
For Pepe, the role of a winemaker is not to alter terroir, but to listen to it with humility.
“My role is to serve as a steward of artisanality — listening closely to the terroir and allowing the wines the freedom to find their own expression.”
Under the new structure, Domaine de La Chapelle will adopt a complementary management model.
Delphine Frey will continue to oversee overall strategy and development, while Chiara Pepe will focus on vineyard and winemaking operations.
“My role is to bring together the right conditions around Chiara and our teams, enabling them to fully reveal the identity of La Chapelle,” Frey said.
Pepe added that she intends to bring her sensitivity, passion and focus to the vineyards.
The appointment follows last year’s announcement of Caroline Frey’s departure from the family estate due to health reasons.
In terms of winemaking philosophy, vineyard management will be grounded in strict biodynamic principles, with a focus on enhancing biodiversity to achieve better balance and vitality in the vines.
In the cellar, the estate will prioritise native yeast fermentations and, where possible, whole-cluster fermentation to preserve the integrity of fruit expression. Extraction will remain restrained and precise.
Pepe also revealed that, over time, the estate plans to gradually reduce its reliance on oak barrels, increasing the use of neutral vessels—including the concrete fermenters she has long favoured.
In addition, the estate will extend bottle ageing to further refine the wines before release.
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