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▪︎ END OF SUMMER HOURS - WED & THUR 13:00-19:00 - FRI & SAT 10:30-19:30 ▪︎ SUN, MON, TUES - CLOSED ▪︎
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.
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.
‘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.
1991
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.
1993
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.
1994
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.
2004
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.
2019
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.
Today
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.
Domaine du Pas de l’Escalette, Terrasses du Larzac, Languedoc
Château de Pibarnon, Bandol, Provence
Testimonials
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.
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.
DR. JOHN MC KENNA
Food Writer
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!
Michael Silacci
Opus One Winemaker
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.
SERGIO CALDERON
Sommelier
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.
Mary Dowey
Wine Writer
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.
MICHAEL LINDSAY-HOGG
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.
RICHARD MAYSON
Wine Writer and Editor
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.
ALAIN KERLOC’H
Sommelier and co-owner, OX Belfast
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.
ANTHONY SCOTT
Sculptor
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.
DES McMAHON
Archictect
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.
