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).
Meet Chris Hardy Owner & Managing Director Charles Sydney Wines
Meet Alex Meunier Sales Director & Partner
Meet Charlotte Dupont Office Manager Charles Sydney Wines
Meet Lisa Telling Project Manager Charles Sydney Wines
Chris Hardy has spent more than 30 years building one of the strongest networks in the UK wine trade. Since acquiring Charles Sydney Wines in 2016, he has focused on representing quality producers who are looking for an experienced, trusted partner to develop their business in the UK. Before leading Charles Sydney Wines, Chris spent 20 years as Senior Buyer at Majestic Wine, giving him first-hand insight into what buyers are looking for and how successful brands are built. As a Decanter World Wine Awards judge for more than a decade, he has also developed an exceptional understanding of quality, style and emerging market trends. Today, Chris works closely with independent merchants, regional wholesalers, national retailers and hospitality buyers, helping carefully selected producers secure listings, grow distribution and build long-term relationships. With offices in Hertfordshire and Angers, France, Charles Sydney Wines provides producers with a local point of contact while offering direct access to one of the world's most important wine markets. Chris believes the best partnerships are built on trust, transparency and shared ambition. He represents a limited portfolio of producers, ensuring every winery receives the attention, market insight and strategic support needed to succeed in the UK.
Alex joined Charles Sydney Wines in 2018 as Sales Director and is now a Business Partner, playing a key role in developing relationships with producers and customers across the UK and France. With a background in marketing and business management, Alex went on to complete a Wine Business MBA at KEDGE Business School in Bordeaux before spending five years as an Export Manager. This combination of commercial expertise and international wine experience enables him to understand both the needs of producers and the expectations of UK buyers. Based in the Loire Valley, Alex has an in-depth knowledge of the region's wines and works closely with many of Charles Sydney Wines' producer partners. His strong relationships with growers ensure clear communication, long-term collaboration and a shared commitment to developing successful brands in the UK. Alex is also an exceptional host, regularly welcoming customers to vineyards and wineries across France. By introducing buyers directly to the people behind the wines, he helps build lasting partnerships founded on trust, authenticity and a shared passion for wine.
Charlotte joined Charles Sydney Wines in October 2024 as Office Administrator for our Loire office and has since been promoted to Office Manager. She plays a central role in the day-to-day operations of the business, ensuring that producers and customers receive an efficient, responsive and professional service. With extensive experience as an Export Assistant and International Partner Manager, Charlotte oversees order processing, logistics, credit control and accounts, while coordinating customer sample requests and managing producer visits throughout France. Working closely with both our producers and UK customers, Charlotte ensures every stage of the process—from order placement to delivery—is handled with care and attention to detail. Her organisational skills, international experience and commitment to excellent service help maintain the high standards that Charles Sydney Wines is known for. Whether coordinating winery visits, managing logistics or supporting our producer partners, Charlotte is dedicated to making every interaction seamless and every relationship a success.
Lisa joined Charles Sydney Wines in 2022, bringing a wealth of experience in marketing, administration and HR. She manages a wide range of projects that support both the business, Customers their producer partners, ensuring they remain responsive, organised and fully compliant with an ever-evolving regulatory landscape. She also plans and delivers the annual portfolio tasting, creating opportunities for producers to connect directly with buyers and strengthen existing relationships. A passionate advocate for France and the wines of the Loire Valley, Lisa brings genuine enthusiasm to everything she does and takes great pride in promoting the exceptional producers within our portfolio.
What Guests Say About Our Annual Portfolio Tasting Events
"Hope you were pleased with the tasting, I really enjoyed it".
Jancis Robinson (Writer JancisRobinson.com)
"Bravo! The organization was the best I've ever experienced, and everything was perfect: the venue, the schedule, the glassware, the catering… and the dinners were really fun too"
François Lieubeay, (Domaine Famille Lieubeau Muscadet)
Just to thank you for a very interesting and enjoyable tasting. I had fun talking to most of the growers and tasted some lovely wines. A great way to renew my enthusiasm for the Loire.
Rosemary George MW (Writer)
I just wanted to say thank you again for letting me attend the tasting on Thursday. It was a great opportunity, and I really appreciated the chance to listen, learn, and taste some brilliant wines. I learned a great deal, both at the masterclass and during the walkaround from the producers, and I left feeling even more excited about a future in wine!
Kitty (WSET Student)