Importer & Retailer of Fine Wine

From the very first day that they opened the doors of Terroirs, Seán and Françoise articulated not just a philosophy regarding the culture of the wines which they sourced for their shop, they also created a striking, and wholly individual and personal aesthetic about how one considered and sold wines. They have retained their exuberant love affair for the culture of wine, and their hard work has made us all richer.

If Françoise and Seán had a guest room in the back of Terroirs, I wouldn’t need to go anywhere else in Dublin. Terroirs is one stop luxury living!

Dublin city is immensely fortunate to boast such a unique shop as Terroirs. It's a treasure trove, where you can find a unique selection of wines, and also many other delicious treats. My friends Seán and Françoise dedicate lots of time to travelling and to researching new ways of embellishing their marvellous shop. For me, Terroirs is a little like the house of Hansel and Gretel from Grimm's fairytales: the little gingerbread house in the woods.

Across my two decades as a wine writer, Terroirs has become one of Ireland’s most exciting wine shops, richly stocked with classic treats and intriguing new discoveries. Françoise and Seán hand-pick their wines with flair and enthusiasm. Their personal touch makes Terroirs sparkle.

In 1995, I directed ‘Frankie Starlight’, in Ireland. Walking along Morehampton Road one afternoon, I saw a wine shop, a place which sold wine, somewhat of a novelty in those days. I went in and met a couple, both friendly, intelligent and knowledgeable about wine. I trusted their acumen, both Seán’s and Françoise’s, and also saw that, although they were business people, they would never be looking for the quick buck, but just wanted you to be happy with your purchase. Seán and Françoise have continued to make Terroirs just as it was in the beginning - a place of wine and friendship.

Since we met in California in 1992, Seán and Françoise have become firm friends. I have watched their business grow and prosper with admiration. Terroirs is my ‘go to’ address for fine wine, food and epicurean gifts in Ireland. Their enthusiasm is infectious and I have spent many hours in their emporium of a shop, talking to customers, tasting wines and pondering the good things in life.

Françoise, Seán and I share the same passion. They are always learning and seeking out new wines and continually trying to better their business. When you step into their shop, their enthusiasm is infectious. It is a joy to listen to them share their knowledge so energetically and the customers love it.

I have known Seán and Françoise for almost 25 years and I consider it a great honour to call them my friends. Their wine shop is a veritable trove of wonders. With Seán and Françoise as guides, through their innate hospitality, in-depth knowledge, and charm, Terroirs becomes an unalloyed pleasure for any passerby, budding oenophile, or avid connoisseur. Françoise’s beautiful, meticulously crafted window displays are uplifting and I feel they are a testament to her and Seán’s creativity, passion, and unquenchable devotion to wine, food, and art.

In 1994 I chat with Françoise, recently arrived from France, and an old friend Seán Gilley, about wine and building in an empty shop in Donnybrook, Dublin. I am spellbound by a new culture of great wines, great wine makers, legendary vintages. I tear up all my preconceptions about retail and instead listen closely. The shop design later emerges as a synthesis of function and aesthetics, creating a place where that conversation can continue, forever, at Terroirs.

Françoise and Seán are simply two fabulous people, who are also very endearing. As a couple, they are passionate about wine and local produce, and they really love when a job is well done. Their shop is like their own mini universe, and we never get tired of it.