In 1989, Christophe Galez met Alain Thiénot through a university friend and they got together in Reims to discuss setting up a ‘branch’ of Thiénot  in London. Champagnes & Châteaux was born!

Our portfolio then was limited to Champagne Thiénot, which had recently been launched in France, and a few of Alain’s properties in Bordeaux (Châteaux Rahoul & Ricaud). Today, Alain is still Chairman of his fast growing family business Thiénot Bordeaux Champagnes in France, along side his children, Stanislas & Garance.

In 2003, Alain Thiénot bought Champagne Canard-Duchêne, set in a picturesque national park in Ludes. With the help of his team and cellarmaster Laurent Fédou, he re-branded Canard-Duchêne and altered the style of Champagne to bring it more in line with the Alain Thiénot brand and style.

Twenty nine years on, Christophe is still running Champagnes & Châteaux, which over time has become a leading independent wine merchant.

Our portfolio has grown with little gems and star producers. Our producers are primarily privately owned with much the same approach and philosophy as ours. We regard them as part of our family.