Who are we
Since being established in 1990, Charles Sydney Wines has become one of the largest importers of premium Loire Wines to the UK market. We supply outstanding wines to all sectors of the UK trade, with a commitment to delivering exceptional service to both our customers and the producers we represent. Our deep-rooted industry knowledge, personal approach, and agile operations allow us to meet the evolving needs of our partners quickly and effectively.
We maintain close relationships across the supply chain by visiting growers and customers. We fully support retailers during the journey from sampling, selection and the purchasing process. We are experienced in new product development projects when retailers want to blend own-label and also exclusive-label wines, we can advise on packaging, label designs, logistics and legislation.
For our producers, we offer unparalleled access to some of the most exciting and prestigious buyers in the wine trade. We work directly with leading UK supermarkets, specialist retail chains, luxury department stores, national wholesalers, and a wide range of online and independent businesses.
While our core focus is the UK market, our reach extends globally — with customers in the Baltic States, Scandinavia, the USA, Japan, Australia, and beyond.
Charles Sydney Wines sets the benchmark in the Loire Valley, where our unique combination of expertise, experience, and lean infrastructure enables us to source and supply high-quality wines at highly competitive prices.
Meet the team
We're a small but mighty team based in the UK and France, with a mix of talents and one shared goal: to bring the best vignerons to the right customers in the UK and around the world.
Trusted by industry leaders, known for being sharp, reliable, and just a little bit obsessed with doing things right. Our clients trust us because we listen, we care, and we’re not afraid to roll up our sleeves to make big things happen.
Think of us as your behind-the-scenes dream team — always ready to go the extra mile (and maybe sneak in a glass of wine along the way).
Chris bought Charles Sydney Wines in 2016 and created Charles Sydney Wines Limited. Chris has an active role as Managing Director of this business, which is based in the UK, with an office in France. Chris has an extensive background in the industry since joining Majestic Wine as a trainee store Manager in 1994. Progressing to Senior Buyer at head office, a position which he held for over 20 years. Due to his extensive industry knowledge, he has been asked to judge at many of the most prestigious wine awards and has been working with the Decanter World Wine awards for the last 20 years. Chris has bought wine from all regions of the world but being a true Francophile, he chose to focus on the classic regions of France; in particular the Loire, due to the diversity and the quality of wines produced in the region.
Alex joined CSW as Sales Director in 2018, his role has developed to also become Business partner. He was initially attracted by the quality of the producers in the portfolio and the close relationships Chris has with the growers he represented. Alex studied marketing and business management before taking a wine business MBA at the Kedge Business School in Bordeaux. Following his studies, he worked for 5 years as an export manager. He has always been passionate about food.
Charlotte started with CSW in October 2024 based in the Loire and is our Office Manager. Responsible for processing orders, liaising with logistics companies, as well as managing credit control and accounts. Charlotte also deals with all sample requests for customers and organises CSW’s visits to our producers. Charlotte has a wealth of experience as and export assistant an international partner manager.
Lisa joined the CSW team in 2022 with a background in marketing, administration and HR. She manages various projects helping to keep the company and producers up-to-date and compliant with ever-evolving regulations. Lisa is helping to modernise internal systems and processes, she deals with our marketing and organises events including our annual portfolio tasting.
It’s great having the expertise and on-the-ground, real-time feedback on happenings in the Loire, as well as access to some of the region’s greatest growers.”
Catherine Jaën MW, Buyer, Lay & Wheeler, Independent Wine Merchant