Sommelier Opens Wine Shop
Written by Mary Welch Tuesday, October 12 2010
Snapshot: Perrine Prieur 
Perrine Prieur recently opened Perrine’s Wine Shop in Atlanta. In addition to wine, she sells artisan cheeses, cured meats, oils, chocolates, and coffees. She came to America in 2006 and worked as a sommelier. Originally from Burgundy, France, Prieur grew up in her parents’ vineyard. She left home at 14 to study the restaurant business and hospitality industry.
Womenetics: How did you get interested in wines?
Perrine Prieur: I was born around wine. My family has a vineyard. Wine is in my blood; it is a part of me. And as I grew up, this passion only grew with me.
Womenetics: Basically, what does it take to be a sommelier?
Prieur: Well, anyone can be a sommelier. But it takes someone special to be a good sommelier. You have to have a knack for relating to people. You have to know wine and keep an open mind. You have to work to hone your craft and learn about every wine’s culture and history. You can’t just simply be a wine buyer. You have to be able to explain the passion of wine making to others. And understand food.
Womenetics: Why did you come to the United States and Atlanta?
Prieur: I came here to work with Joël (Antunes at Brasserie Joël). And I was tired of being in France – and frankly tired of being around French wine snobs. In France, I was in an industry in which women are not recognized. At all. I was ready for a new adventure. I didn’t want to stay in France; I wanted to discover the world. It’s always been a dream of mine to come to America. I guess you could say I’m living the American dream.
Womenetics: Are more women becoming sommeliers?
Prieur: Absolutely. The world is opening up. Compare today to 50 years go – when being a sommelier was just a man’s job (in Europe at least). Things are progressing now, which is great.
Womenetics: Tell us about your new shop.
Prieur: Oh boy, this’ll be a long one. What I love most about my shop are my customers. They can come here and talk to me, tell me their wine desires, and share their stories. In this area (northwest Atlanta), there are a lot of new wine lovers in their 20s and 30s. It’s why I love this location. These people are without the budget to buy cases and cases of wine; they come in and just want a good pick. They don’t know much, but that’s where I like to be – right in the gap between what people know and what people want. I want to provide a wine shop where people can feel at home and comfortable – not just a place to spend money.
I want to establish relationships and become friends – not just gain customers. And I’ve gotten some emails from customers already. They are excited that they can count on me for wine advice, even if they don’t buy from me. For example, one couple from Athens (Georgia) came to eat at Bacchanalia (a nearby restaurant) and stopped in. They didn’t know much, but took my card. I urged them to call me for advice anytime. I’m not just a wine buyer; I want to share my passion.
Womenetics: Are Americans becoming more educated in wines?
Prieur: Oh yes, oh yes. Yes. A thousand times yes. Definitely. I think they are better than the French, actually. In America, there is more variety; people are not as familiar with all the types of wines. Americans may encounter European wines with a handicap, but they have strong desire to learn. Some people even know my smaller appellations and request them by name.
Womenetics: What are the new trends in wines?
Prieur: Smaller appellations of European wines are becoming more popular. They produce better wines at a better value. Also, old world wines in Europe are yielding a better taste. Formerly too earthy, the wines are reflecting new tastes. Also, new world wineries from Argentina, Chile, and the United States are making new types of wines – something other than the traditional cabernets and chardonnays. We are seeing inventive blends, new grapes, and more.
Womenetics: If someone wants to stock a basic wine cellar – relatively inexpensively – what would be your suggestions?
Prieur: Oh wow, the list may be long. Smaller appellations from relatively unknown wine makers are less expensive – and also good to keep for accruing value. People who are more easygoing may want to stock their cellars with these smaller appellations. Some people aren’t ready to spend $50 on a bottle – they won’t appreciate it, and that’s OK.
Womenetics: If someone wanted to have one white in the refrigerator and one red, what would you recommend?
Prieur: White: Hermitage Blanc, Domaine Marc Sorrel
Red: Romanee Grand Cru (a Pinot Noir from Burgundy)
Womenetics: What are the keys to picking out wines?
Prieur: Follow your taste. Take the value into account. And in my wine shop, talk to Perrine. Ask me. Tell me what your tastes are. I’m here to help you. Just looking is fine – and I love when people come in. Other places leave you to fend for yourself. Who likes that?
Womenetics: Should you let the man pick the wine in a restaurant?
Prieur: Not with me. Just for the first date, maybe. It’s a good way to see what they know – and then, we’ll see if there’s a second date.
Womenetics: What should you look for in a cheese to match a wine?
Prieur: Oh, well that depends on the wine. And the cheese. It has to be a good combination. They have to respect each other. And understand each other.
Mary Welch is a freelance writer for the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Dawson Times, Plan Your Meeting magazine, and Atlanta Business magazine. Previously, she held many positions with Leader Publishing, including editor-in-chief of Atlanta Woman, editor of Business to Business magazine, and editor of Catalyst magazine. As editor of Business to Business, she assigned, edited, and conceptualized a series that was awarded Silver in the 2005 GAMMA Awards for Best Series. Welch was a reporter for the Atlanta Business Chronicle for eight years and freelanced for publications including Glamour, Advertising Age, South, Georgia Trend, and Oz. From 2000 to 2003, she served as vice president of media relations for Bank of America, during which time she authored Forever Green: A History and Hope of the American Forest with Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell.
