About Us
A relationship built on knowledge and trust
About us
Our Story
Nomad Wine Importers LTD was created in 2007 by two Sommeliers with a view to offering the Irish Market some of the best wines from France at the right price. Thierry Grillet (Former Head Sommelier – Restaurant Girardet – 3 Michelin Stars – Swiss) and Charles Derain (Former Head Sommelier – Restaurant P. Guilbaud – 2 Michelin Stars – Ireland) have joined their efforts in making this venture. Their knowledge, experience and network in the wine industry helped them to establish this company.
About Us
Philosophy
A relationship built on knowledge and trust. We have selected our producers carefully and we work closely with them to offer some of the best wines from France in the Irish Market. We give our customers wines of high purity and great honesty – even in their simplicity – we always look for a style of wine who has precision and definition. As expert Sommelier, we are constantly thinking about food and wine pairing. Our selection will always give a nice support to the chef’s dishes, bring pleasure and joy. The full spectrum of our portfolio is built to reach that goal, from our entry level to our high-end.
Nomad Wine Importers represents the trust link between the producers and the consumers.
About Us
Meet The Team
We would be delighted meeting you to share our knowledge and passion for wine.
Managing Director
CHARLES DERAIN
My wine knowledge is based on my sommelier studies in France.
Working as a sommelier in France and abroad helped me to understand more about the consumers’ love for good wine.
Since 2017 I own a vineyard with two Irish friends, the Domaine is called : Les Deux Cols.
This experience helps me to carefully select new producers and continually expand our portfolio.
Chief Financial Officer
THIERRY GRILLET
My studies of sommeliers gave me the opportunity to work in the greatest restaurants in Europe and share my passion with consumers. My relationships with producers – all recognised for the quality of their work – started three decades ago.
Nowadays, I put my financial background and passion for wine at the service of Nomad Wine Importers.
Marketing & Sales Manager
ARIANA SMITH
I was born to an Irish Dad and a Swiss Mom and raised in California. I hold a bachelor’s degree in business management from the California State University of San Luis Obispo as well as a WSET Level 3 certification. My journey with wine began in my early twenties in Bolgheri, Italy.
Experiencing the food and wine of the region with local winemakers ignited my passion for wine and my desire to pursue a career in the industry.
Testimonial
Ely Wine Bar
IAN BROSNAN
We work closely with Nomad Wine and Charles Derain because he shares the same passion for wines as we do. In Charles’ case, his passion is focused on, but not limited to, Burgundy, and his portfolio of producers is the finest in the country. That passion, paired with very favorable pricing and a seemingly unlimited well of knowledge makes Nomad one of our most important suppliers and partners in the wine business.
The Greenhouse
Julie Dupouy
Charles has one of the best Burgundy wine selection in the country and when it comes to this region, his knowledge is second to none. From classic producers to rising stars, from less known and exciting French regions to Burgundy, his portfolio is a sommelier’s dream. Charles’ passion, experience, customer service and personality makes him a reference in the Dublin wine scene.
Domaine Zinck Vins d’Alsace
Philippe Zinck
I started to work with Nomad Wine Importers almost two years ago, and it is very enjoyable. As a grower what I like from Charles, is that he knows what is talking about. He understands the quality of the job we’re doing in our vineyards and cellars.
Charles transmits his passion to the customers with the same energy as we would do. Well done Charles.
