Samuel Montgermont Elected President of Inter Rhône

Samuel Montgermont took over the presidency of Inter Rhône during the organization’s general assembly on Friday, November 6, succeeding Philippe Pellaton after a six-year mandate.

The interprofessional body representing AOC Côtes du Rhône and Rhône Valley wines elected the former vice-president to the role. Pellaton, a winegrower from the Gard department who leads Maison Sinnae, completed his tenure following his initial election in November 2020.

Born in Brittany in 1972, Montgermont initially pursued legal studies before specializing in vitivinicultural law. He built practical experience working alongside Michel Chapoutier and at Domaine Les Béates in Provence. In 2001, he moved to Château de la Gardine in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, handling technical, commercial, and strategic operations for a decade.

Montgermont later directed Les Grandes Serres, a wine house owned by the Picard family group. During his tenure, he established a partnership with the Cairanne cooperative cellar. He assumed leadership of the Union des Maisons de Vins du Rhône in 2021 and also chairs the national organization Vin & Société.

Reflecting on the transition, Montgermont praised his predecessor’s leadership. The leadership change follows Inter Rhône’s established principle of alternating between production and trade sectors.

I want to first greet the man and thank Philippe for his constant commitment in service of the collective, Samuel Montgermont explained. I particularly appreciated, at his side, his capacity for listening, his respect for everyone’s sensitivities, and his permanent desire to advance our two families.

Montgermont emphasized his attachment to constructive dialogue between wine producers and wine merchants. He aims to carry that collaborative spirit forward during his new mandate.

The new president takes leadership amid a structural decline in marketing volumes and rising financial pressures on farms and businesses. He highlights the necessity of adapting production and commercialization models while protecting the identity of Rhône terroirs.

I come from the field, from business, and from wine, Montgermont stated. I know the difficulties of our professions, but I also know their formidable resources.

Montgermont rejected fatalism regarding the industry’s future. His stated priority is restoring confidence and investment incentives for everyone involved in producing Rhône wines.