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About us

Established in 1984, Alliance Wine is an independently owned and run wine importer and distributor; we champion bold, expressive winemakers who share our passion for quality and sustainability. Our portfolio specialises in regions of excellence across France, Spain and Italy and around the world. In total, we source from over 20 countries through a collaborative network of aligned partnerships.


 

Four decades of independent thinking

Founded in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1984 by Chris Bouteiller a Frenchman from the Loire, Alliance Wine has grown into one of the UK’s leading independently owned wine businesses. Our independence enables long term thinking — allowing us to invest in innovation, nurture meaningful relationships and stay true to the values that have shaped us from the start.

For more than four decades, our journey has been guided by a distinctive, forward looking approach and an uncompromising commitment to quality. Our name, inspired by the historic Auld Alliance between France and Scotland, serves as a reminder that partnership has always been at the heart of who we are. 

And while our reach now spans the globe, our headquarters and warehouse remain in Ayrshire, reflecting both our enduring independence and our strong sense of place.

Our mission: Creating a better world of wine

From the beginning, our mission has been simple: to champion bold, expressive winemakers and share their stories with the world. We partner with producers who prioritise craft and authenticity, who share our commitment to sustainability — and we work collaboratively to bring their wines to market to share with you. 

A global perspective rooted in expertise

With more than 40 years in the trade, we bring a deep, informed perspective on the world of wine. Today, we:

  • Offer a portfolio of nearly 300 producers
  • Import from over 20 countries
  • Founded our own winery and make our own wines
  • Serve customers across all aspects of hospitality and the wine trade
  • Operating three European warehouses in France, Spain and Italy, as well as in the UK

This breadth gives us a privileged vantage point on emerging trends, shifting tastes and new opportunities across the industry.

Industry recognition & award winning wines

We’re enormously proud that our commitment to excellence — in sourcing, sustainability, innovation and service — has been consistently acknowledged across the wine trade.

Our most recent awards include:

  • Harpers Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers 2025 – No.1
  • Sommelier Wine Awards 2024 – Classic Regions Merchant of the Year
  • International Wine Challenge 2023 – Spain & Portuguese Specialist

Our producers have received similar recent recognition:

  • Sommelier Wine Awards 2025
    - 93% of entries awarded medals (9 Gold, 30 Silver, 32 Bronze)
  • The Wine Merchant Top 100 (2025)
    29 wines recognised (10 featured in the Top 100 and 19 were Highly Commended)
    2 Trophy wins — Sparkling Wine Trophy and Best Value Rosé Trophy
Our commitment

As we look ahead, our focus remains clear: to champion producers who share our values, support customers with expertise and integrity, and continue raising the standard to create a better world of wine.

“We believe that all decisions in making and selling wine should be fair and caring. Making the best wine possible with the least intervention is only the start. It is not only about the environment. It is also about ensuring beneficial relationships for all involved, respecting people, and working with an innate sense of integrity.”