Alliance Wine founder, Chris Boutellier, announces retirement
Following the press announcements recently, we wanted to confirm directly that our founder and chairman, Christian Bouteiller is retiring.
Chris established Alliance Wine in the summer of 1984 and has spent four decades building Alliance Wine into a market-leading, distinctive and entrepreneurial importer in the UK premium wine markets.
Chris has asked me to share his thoughts:
“After a string of successful years and with a strong and stable leadership team in place it felt like it was the right time to hand on the baton. We have built an exceptional business based on strong long-standing producer relationships, and unparalleled expertise across the on-trade and off-trade. Recent awards include Wholesaler of The Year 2025 by Harpers and Fine Wine Merchant 2026 at the recent Sommelier Wine Awards are high notes to leave on. I’m immensely proud of what we have achieved.’’
So while one chapter closes, an exciting chapter opens as we continue our ambition to create a better world of wine. Chris and I have worked closely together to prepare for this transition, intent on putting Alliance in the strongest possible position for the future. We have plans and projects that we hope to share very soon that will help drive the development and growth of the business in the belief that our partnership with you can be stronger than ever.
We’re immensely proud of what we have built so far, but are excited too about what more we can do. We continue with the same intentions: to grow a sustainable business, champion brave winemakers, and encourage creative and collaborative relationships with all our customers.
We would like to take this opportunity to again express our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Chris. Chris will be providing some continued support through the year as part of the hand over.
If you have any questions are all please contact your Alliance representative.
By Fergal Tynan MW, Managing Director, Alliance Wine.
