Alliance Wine Welcomes a New Master of Wine
Press Release | London, 28th January 2026
Alliance Wine are pleased to announce that Sarah Benson MW joined their buying team on Monday, 5 January. Sarah joins Alliance from the Co-op, where she has spent the past eight years as a wine buyer, managing the Spanish and South American portfolios amongst others.
“We are very happy that Sarah has joined to bolster our capabilities and experience in the buying team at Alliance. Her wealth of experience in the key categories of Spain and South America will be vital in driving forward our own Iberian and South American portfolios that she will be responsible for.” explains Jean Wareing MW Head of Buying at Alliance Wine.
Sarah has recently been awarded the prestigious Master of Wine title having passed her exams in 2025. This means Alliance has now four MWs in the business, three employed in the buying team, as well as a Master Sommelier, Matt Wilkin MS, who is part of the fine wine sales team. Sarah was also recognised in 2024 and 2025 by Drinks Retailing in the Top 100 Most Influential People in Drinks List.
“Having another Master of Wine in the business is a true privilege. We are very fortunate to welcome someone with Sarah’s experience and skill joining the buying team, adding to the pre-existing talent that we have there. This makes our buying team as strong as any in the trade and I’m excited to see the impact they will deliver as we work towards our long-term ambitions and goals.” comments Fergal Tynan MW.
“This continues the momentum we have built since acquiring H2Vin last winter when Christian Honorez and Matt Wilkin MS joined the business. That moment was as much about people as it was about product. We have maintained our focus to invest in people to drive our ambitions. Sarah is the latest example of that commitment. We have always believed in the power of having the right people in the right roles to unlock the full potential of the business, and it’s rewarding to see that intention realised so emphatically with this hire.” continues Fergal.
“There is significant opportunity to develop both our Iberian and South American portfolios, and I am looking forward to seeing how Sarah brings her talents to strengthen what is already a world class selection of producers that we are proud to represent” concludes Jean.
Alliance Wine welcomes Sarah to the team.
For more information on these events, please contact kiki.evans@alliancewine.com
By Kiki Evans, Press, Content & Design Manager, Alliance Wine.