Meet Perrine Prieur Gallardo | CEO, Founder & Owner, PERRINE’S WINE

We had the good fortune of connecting with Perrine Prieur Gallardo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Perrine, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My path to owning and operating a wine shop was not an overnight revelation; it was a culmination of years of experience and a deep-seated passion for the art of hospitality.

My journey began at the age of 15 when I immersed myself in the world of restaurants. Working tirelessly in various roles, I developed an unwavering fascination for what the French aptly call “Art de la table” or the art of the table setting. It was during this period that I was first introduced to the world of wine. Simultaneously, my father ventured into viticulture, planting his own vineyard. These parallel experiences forged an enduring connection between me and the world of wine, which would eventually define my career.

Upon relocating to Atlanta, I spent four years honing my expertise as a sommelier at JOËL. During this time, I couldn’t help but notice the limited options for acquiring wine in the city. The desire to reshape the retail wine scene in Atlanta began to germinate within me..

Despite my limited retail experience and budget, my background in hospitality and confidence in the need for this type of product in the market fueled my determination. I designed the space myself and trusted my trained palate to filled the shelves with a beautiful curation of wines that could only be loved.

Opening PERRINE’S over 13 years ago required a great deal of perseverance, hard work, and confidence in the product we were delivering to customers. I’m proud at the success that our original PERRINE’S Westside location has had over the years and the continued growth across Atlanta as a result of our hard work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work in the wine industry is a labor of love, driven by an unwavering commitment to providing a unique and boutique wine shopping experience. What truly sets our wine shops apart is the fusion of my extensive background in hospitality and my genuine passion for wine.

When I began creating the concept behind PERRINE’S Wine, there were limited options to explore and discover exceptional wines in a personalized setting. I take immense pride in having been a catalyst for change in this regard. By introducing a boutique approach to wine shopping, we’ve crafted a space where customers can do more than merely purchase fine wines; they can embark on a journey of exploration, education, and discovery.

What fuels my daily endeavors is the opportunity to connect with our customers on a personal level. Guiding them through the world of wine, offering recommendations tailored to their preferences, and witnessing the joy and satisfaction that comes from finding the perfect bottle are sources of immense satisfaction. It’s not just about selling wine; it’s about creating lasting memories and fostering a sense of community among wine enthusiasts.

Ultimately, what sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to working with high-quality winegrowers and winemakers based all over the world. We aim to be the finest ambassadors of their hard work to our customers and our community.

My professional journey in the wine retail industry has been an amalgamation of rewards and challenges, all underscored by my unwavering commitment to delivering an unparalleled wine-shopping experience.

When I first embarked on this journey, I had relatively limited experience in the retail sector, I was one of the very few female wine sommeliers in the business and it was a fiercely competitive landscape.

As our venture has grown, new challenges have arisen, one of the most prominent being the pursuit of consistency. Our transformation from a one-person operation to a team of ten or more posed the unique challenge of establishing and maintaining consistent standards. Creating a comprehensive system for others to follow has been a complex task, but witnessing it come to fruition has been profoundly rewarding.

On a personal level, my role has evolved from that of a shop owner to that of a leader. This transition has demanded ongoing self-improvement and growth, which I wholeheartedly embrace. My commitment to personal development and leadership skills is an aspect of my journey that I take immense pride in. I firmly believe in the importance of continual self-improvement, and I actively engage in this process.

Ultimately, my journey is not just about building a successful wine retail business; it’s about personal growth and the pursuit of excellence in both my professional and leadership roles. What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that we are dedicated to providing an exceptional wine shopping experience while constantly evolving and growing, both as individuals and as a business.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love this question, and love to dine out:

Lucian Book & Wine: Start your friend’s visit with a cozy evening at Lucian Book & Wine. Enjoy their fantastic wine list while perusing the books. Jordan and Katie’s warm hospitality adds to the experience

Aria: Begin the week with a classic dining experience at Aria. I am friends with Andres, the GM and Wine Director, and can always anticipate an exceptional meal with perfectly paired wines.

Miller-Union: For lunch, savor some great Southern food at Miller-Union, where Chef Steven’s culinary expertise shines.

Star Provisions: Head to Star Provisions for a mid-afternoon snack. Don’t miss their baguette and breakfast offerings.

Le Bon Nosh: Start your day at Le Bon Nosh, appreciating the beautiful space created by Forough. Enjoy a delightful breakfast.

Jackson Fine Art: Spend your morning at Jackson Fine Art, indulging your love for photography and exploring the captivating exhibits.

The Chastain: Have lunch at The Chastain, where you can enjoy both a delicious meal and a relaxing walk around the park.

Antico Pizza: Share your memories and stories over dinner at Antico Pizza, a place filled with nostalgia. Bring your own wine and savor a capricciosa.

High Museum of Art: Spend the afternoon at the High Museum of Art, immersing yourselves in art and finding inspiration.
Staplehouse, The al fresco dining and feel is perfect for a relaxing night.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
One person who deserves my deepest gratitude and a special shoutout is my best friend, Kevin O’Sullivan. His unwavering support, camaraderie, and shared passion for wine have driven my journey.

Kevin and I share more than just a love for wine; we share a deep bond forged through mutual passion, remarkable palates, and the shared experience of losing a parent too soon. Our connection goes beyond wine; it’s a testament to the enduring strength of friendship.

Throughout this journey, Kevin has been a constant presence—calling me out when I needed a dose of reality and cheering me on during moments of doubt. His friendship has been a source of inspiration, reminding me that I’m never alone in this pursuit.
I’m immensely grateful to have Kevin as both a friend and a confidant on this extraordinary journey. His support has been invaluable, and I cherish the moments we’ve shared, both in the world of wine and in life itself.

Website: https://perrineswine.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perrineswine/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/perrine-s-wine/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perrineswineshop/

Image Credits
PERRINE’S WINE