Our Story

SINCE 1994

The Story

Seán and Françoise Gilley

There was never any doubt in Seán and Françoise Gilley’s minds that they would make wine their career. It took them courage, determination and verve to open their independent wine shop in 1994. In those days in Ireland, such a shop with a personal, vivid aesthetic was rare. Essentially, Terroirs was a true maverick and it has become synonymous with fine wine.

From the initial sourcing of wines with a ‘voice and a soul’ produced by selected growers, to bringing these wines to your table, Seán and Françoise traverse the culture of wine. The duo has developed loyal bonds with many winegrowers who farm as responsibly as possible and they are devoted to championing their wines with integrity. In addition, they have strong relationships with Bordeaux négociants. Seán and Françoise complement each other’s skills seamlessly. Obsessed with quality, they distill their focus on every detail of their business, which they conduct with diligence, modesty and svelte assurance in order to meet their clients’ uncompromising standards.

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'Le rendez-vous' in Dublin

Hailing from Saumur in the Loire Valley, Françoise came to Dublin in 1991 to do an internship with a wine importer. Seán embarked on his career in a Dublin off-licence, reflecting his pure fascination with wine. He launched a fine wine section in that shop, which enjoyed a great reputation at the time. Seán and Françoise first met over a glass of wine and the rest, as they say, is history. Françoise, however, was offered a two-year position at Clos du Val winery in Napa Valley. She left Ireland and went to work alongside Bernard Portet, the then winemaker and co-founder of Clos Du Val. Seán pursued his working wine life in Dublin and visited Napa Valley on numerous occasions.

A common objective: Terroirs

After more than a decade working as an off-licence manager, and with a knowledge fired with passion, along with an affection for business, Seán decided it was time to take on the wine landscape in a broader fashion. Fundamentally, he aspired to decouple from the spirits business in order to start up his own venture. In November 1993, Françoise returned from Napa Valley. She settled in Dublin and the duo focussed on planning Terroirs and they also set up a wine importing business.

Terroirs: The new wine shop in Ireland

As newlyweds, fired with youthful vigour and consummate passion, Seán and Françoise were adamant about establishing a unique retail environment that would set them apart. When a vacant premises was spotted in Donnybrook, they swiftly secured it. Back in 1994, the real challenge was to obtain a wine licence. At the time, the vast majority of shops were off-licences (selling beers and spirits). As a result of their sheer determination, the licence was granted and the doors of Terroirs opened in November.

Where the best sells well

Within a decade, Terroirs became a real niche wine merchant and a place of genuine indulgence, where the best sells well. All wines are judiciously sourced by Seán and Françoise, and each has a distinctive story to tell alongside select foods, wine accessories and gifts. That is what has made Terroirs not only a very special place, but also a successful business. Terroirs is a fitting testament to the couple’s discernment.

25 years of excellence

Terroirs has been 25 years in business and during that time Seán and Françoise have not wavered in their ambition, desire and excellence. Their success hinges on their hard work. They saw the opening of their own wine shop as both their profession and vocation. Seán and Françoise continue to show total commitment in their wholly individual way. As an independent wine merchant, they have carefully ensured that their philosophy about the culture of wine and integrity remain intact. In reality, for many, Terroirs has become a Dublin institution.

Today

Seán and Françoise continue to display full commitment to their trade, in their distinctive, stylish way. They embrace progress, but they also value the traditions of independent wine merchants. They are markedly faithful to characterful wines produced by winegrowers who respect their terroirs and who are extremely sensitive to the balance of the ecosystem, and they are dedicated to bringing you their finest offerings.

Terroir(s)

From the Latin Territōrium, the sense of place.

There is no precise translation for the French word terroir. The deep differences between wines derive from the place on earth in which they come into being; each wine primarily embraces the nature of the soil, the climate, and the landscape. The sum of these natural and environmental influences is what is meant by terroir and all the elements in the vineyard are held together by the winegrower.

In a wine, the terroir is a sensorial expression of the personality of place. The soil gives to the wine its singularity, identity, and energy.

For us, to enjoy a vin de terroir is to lose ourselves in nature.