Who are we ?

Our multimedia group is dedicated to the promotion and prescription of quality wines, representative of a terroir and the know-how of passionate men and women.

 

The group was founded in 1989 by Philippe Gaillard and François Gilbert. 

 

They started out as collection directors at Presses de la Cité. In 1991, they became publishers of guides and magazines themselves. Today, they run a multimedia group dedicated to wine, established in 22 countries. The Gilbert & Gaillard group is independent and has no shareholders other than its founders. Gilbert & Gaillard is also known for the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge, an international wine competition organised by Wine Tasting and Trading Ltd (Hong Kong) which awards medals to wines from all over the world.

 

Philippe Gaillard

Originally from Touraine and born into a family of winegrowers, Philippe Gaillard studied viticulture and oenology before becoming Sales Director of a major French wine distribution group. He has co-directed the Gilbert & Gaillard Group since 1989.

François Gilbert 

A certified professor and PhD in geography, François Gilbert specialized early on in the study of wine terroirs. After a 15-year academic career, he dedicated himself fully to his passion for wine. He has co-directed the Gilbert & Gaillard Group since 1989.

 

« Gilbert & Gaillard is also known for l’International Challenge Gilbert & Gaillard,  an international wine competition organised by Wine Tasting and Trading Ltd (Hong Kong) which awards medals to wines from around the world. »

The results of the Challenge


Gilbert & Gaillard team

 

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Sylvain Patard

With a background in literature, Sylvain Patard discovered wine in 1986 while running a wine tasting and purchasing club within the magazine where he worked. He joined Gilbert & Gaillard in 1994 and now serves as Editor-in-Chief.
[email protected]


 

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Etienne Gaillard

Holding a specialized Master’s degree in International Wine and Spirits Trade, Étienne Gaillard co-founded a wine trading company before joining Gilbert & Gaillard in 2019 as Sales Director.
[email protected]

France

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Frédéric Comet 

A passionate advocate for Bordeaux and its wines, Frédéric Comet joined Gilbert & Gaillard in 2009. Based in Gironde, he is responsible for the Bordeaux and Charentes regions.
[email protected]


 

 
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Nicolas Sanseigne 

With a technical sales diploma in wine and experience as a wine shop manager, Nicolas Sanseigne joined Gilbert & Gaillard in 2009. Based in Montpellier, he oversees the Corsica, Languedoc, Rhône Valley, and Provence regions.
[email protected]

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Marianne Baills

A graduate of the MSc Wine Management program at Burgundy School of Business and holder of the WSET Level 3, Marianne Baills has worked in Asia, the alcohol industry, and the Parisian HoReCa sector. She joined Gilbert & Gaillard in 2024 and is responsible for Alsace, Burgundy, Champagne, Beaujolais, and Jura.

[email protected]

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Caroline Gilbert

After ten years in the Middle East, where she served as Sales Director and then General Manager of Classic Fine Foods UAE, Caroline Gilbert joined Gilbert & Gaillard in 2019. She brings valuable international and gastronomic expertise to the group.

[email protected]

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Sandrine Thibault

Originally from the Anjou region and deeply attached to her native terroir, Sandrine Thibault joined Gilbert & Gaillard in 2022. She works closely with winegrowers to ensure the smooth registration of their wines in our Challenges.

[email protected]

Italy

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Sandra Sirvente

With a unique international background and Calabrian roots, Sandra Sirvente returned to France and joined Gilbert & Gaillard in 2018. She is currently the Sales Manager for Italy.
[email protected]

Spain and Portugal

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Thibault Leray

Holder of an MBA in Wine Marketing & Management, Thibault Leray has international experience, including two years in Barcelona. He joined Gilbert & Gaillard as Sales Manager for Spain and Portugal, where he promotes medal-winning wines in export markets.
[email protected]

South Africa

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Olivier Duroy

Following a career as a Financial Analyst, Olivier Duroy earned an MSc in Wine and Spirits Management in Bordeaux. Since 2019, he has been managing the South African market from Stellenbosch for Gilbert & Gaillard.
[email protected]

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Petru Venter
With a Master of Science in international trade, Petru Venter spent over seven years in the wine sector before joining Gilbert & Gaillard in 2018. She is based in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
[email protected]

Central and Eastern Europe

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Philippe Ricros

After completing a Master’s in Wine Management and Trade in Bordeaux, Philippe Ricros spent three years in Shanghai distributing wine. He joined Gilbert & Gaillard in 2021 and now oversees the Central European market.

[email protected]

South America

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Vivien Morvan
A graduate with a National Diploma in Oenology (DNO) from Montpellier, Vivien Morvan worked harvests across the globe before settling in Mendoza, Argentina. He joined Gilbert & Gaillard in 2022 and manages South American operations from our Mendoza office.
[email protected]

Marketing team

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Tatiana Bellanger
With a Master’s degree in Relationship Marketing and Commercial Strategy, Tatiana Bellanger worked in marketing and communications agencies before joining Gilbert & Gaillard in 2024. She now serves as Marketing and Communications Manager.
tbellanger@gilbertgaillard.com

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Manon Lavoye
Currently in a work-study program within the Marketing and Communications team, Manon Lavoye is pursuing specialized studies in communications. Curious and engaged, she combines theory and practice to contribute actively to our communication efforts.
[email protected]

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Lucas Thomas
The latest addition to the Gilbert & Gaillard Marketing and Communications team, Lucas Thomas blends his passion for comics with his studies in design and digital marketing. His creativity and versatility bring fresh energy to the team.
[email protected]

 

Administrative team

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Pierre Gracias

Accounting Manager

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Michèle Huyard

Administrative Manager

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