Meet our team of wine experts, including two Masters of Wine, all contribute to the different aspects of the business, from senior management to buying and sales.
Jean Wareing MW
Head of Buying, Brand Management & Technical
Jean's passion for wine began during a formative trip to Burgundy and Champagne while studying Geography at the University of London, which inspired her to pursue a career in the wine trade. After graduating, she worked at Morris & Verdin, where she also began her Master of Wine studies. Jean later moved into communications at Phipps PR, before relocating to Manchester to begin what would become an 18‑year career with Boutinot. There, she worked across all areas of the portfolio, developing her expertise as a buyer. She earned her Master of Wine title in 2005, completing a thesis on precision viticulture. In 2021, Jean joined Alliance Wine, where she now plays a central leadership role. By 2025, she had stepped up to become Head of Buying, Brand & Technical, helping drive the company's strategic growth and shaping its diverse, producer‑focused portfolio.
Sarah Benson MW
Buyer
With a strong background in languages, Sarah transitioned from a career in translation and having completed several WSET courses, she secured her first role with Accolade. Since then, she has gained extensive experience in wine buying and marketing, working across both independent and large retail environments and with a UK bottler. Her passion for wine has also led her to work vintages during holidays in various countries. Sarah bought wine for the Co-op for 8 years where she was responsible for sourcing, selecting, and blending wines from France, Spain, South America, and Greece as well as driving the sustainability agenda. Sarah has also conducted consumer profiling research with Lallemand, gaining insights into consumer preferences for different wine styles.
Christian Honorez
Director of Fine Wine
Christian has over 40 years of experience working with many of France’s most respected wine producers. Originally from the Southern Rhône, he began his career in the UK, where early exposure to leading growers in Burgundy, the Rhône, and the Loire shaped his long-standing commitment to working with benchmark estates. Over the decades he has built deep relationships with iconic domaines, championing producers such as Santa Duc, Clos du Caillou, Denis Alary, and the late Didier Dagueneau. Christian’s approach is defined by authenticity, long-term partnership, and an uncompromising focus on quality. His regional expertise and close producer relationships continue to guide Alliance Wine’s fine wine portfolio and strategy.
