An Inspired Chat with Perrine Prieur Gallardo

Perrine Prieur Gallardo shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Perrine, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Honestly, after two decades of making work my top priority, I’ve found that my greatest joy now comes from my kids—who are 5 and 7. Since last September, we decided not to hire another Au Pair or nanny, which meant a big shift in our schedules. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth every bit of the juggling.

Now I get to be present for more of their everyday moments—sharing dinner together, putting them to bed, and simply watching them grow into such amazing little humans. It’s been the most rewarding change.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Perrine Prieur, founder of Perrine’s Wine, which I opened in Atlanta in 2010 after building my career as a sommelier in Michelin-starred restaurants in London and serving as sommelier and beverage director at JOËL restaurant here in Atlanta.

Born and raised in Burgundy, France, I grew up surrounded by farmers and winegrowers, which shaped my deep appreciation for wines that truly reflect their terroir. That foundation continues to guide everything we do at Perrine’s Wine.

Our focus is on family-owned and sustainably farmed producers from around the world, paired with warm, thoughtful service and curated tasting experiences. What makes us unique is the care we show for both the winegrower and the customer—we want every guest to feel special, enjoy a memorable experience, and know that we’re with them for their entire wine journey. One of the greatest rewards is watching our customers connect, share, and even form lasting friendships through wine.

Today, as we open new stores and expand our brand, our mission remains the same: to share this passion and sense of community with even more people.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was a shy girl with little confidence, always worried about what people would think of me. For years, I pushed myself to work harder than anyone else, determined to prove that I was worth it. That drive became my fuel, but over time I realized that my value wasn’t something to be earned through perfection—it was already there. The journey from self-doubt to self-belief has shaped not only who I am, but also how I show up for others.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
No—because I’m still here.
but yes, I do understand what giving up means—my father took his own life. That loss gave me a deep understanding of how heavy life can get. So if we’re still talking, it means we haven’t given up… we’ve given ourselves more options by finding another door to open. Life isn’t a straight climb—it’s progress and regress, wins and losses, all of it shaping who you are. Even when it feels like you’re standing still, you’re collecting experiences that, years later, you’ll see were building something only you can truly understand. The struggles, the pivots, the quiet moments of doubt—they become the foundation for something uniquely yours, something that makes the journey worth every step.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the wine industry is that bigger is always better—bigger wineries, bigger brands, bigger scores. The reality is that wine is about connection: to the land, to the grower, and to the people around the table. Another misconception is that wine has to be complicated or intimidating. I think the industry sometimes hides behind jargon or prestige when, really, wine should be approachable, enjoyable, and part of everyday life. At Perrine’s, we try to break down those walls by focusing on sustainably farmed, family-owned producers and by creating experiences that are welcoming, not intimidating. Wine is meant to bring people together, not push them away.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Working… ha! Maybe the real question should be, what would I start doing? I would want my husband to come with me, and we’d escape to the Provençal countryside—to a quiet stone house with a pool, where the doors are always open for friends to visit. (I’m not entirely sure what I’d do with my kids in this scenario, —but of course I’d want to see them without taking away the life they’ve built. I’d travel the world to places I’ve never been, embracing calm and peacefulness at times, but also chasing moments of rush and excitement when they call. I’d seek out more producers, visit more wine regions, and get closer to the land. And I’d dine at tables where food and wine aren’t just served, but are deeply woven into the culture and passion of the people who create them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://perrineswine.com
• Instagram: @perrineprieurgallardo @perrineswine

Image Credits
glorianna Chan
the cocktail shaker