A 2.5-hour wine tasting tour in Paris is led by a sommelier or oenologist guide, you will be introduced tp the basics of French wines, from the Bordeaux and Burgundy to the country’s lesser known appellations. Over a couple glasses of wine, we will discuss the wine-making process and the evolution of wine in France, as well as food and wine pairings, current trends, and tasting techniques to help you continue your appreciation at home or abroad. 

• Led by an expert sommelier or oenologist.
• Taste four wines and pair them with cheese and charcuterie.
• Small groups—never more than 6 people on a walk.

We'll begin with a discussion of France's 2,500-year history of wine production, which dates from Greek and Roman times. Sitting together at a traditional bar à Vin, we'll taste two classic French white wines. Here, we'll learn about dégustation, the art of tasting, and we'll explore the history of wine in France and its particular importance in Paris. Showcasing the diverse styles of French wine, these tastings will serve to calibrate your palate, teaching us how to evaluate wine using our senses of smell and taste.

We'll also enjoy a plate of Fromage or charcuterie and discover the basics of pairing French wine with food, raising the concept of terroir, the dominant philosophy in French wine and cuisine. We'll use this concept to explore how natural elements can affect the flavor of your wine. We'll then head to a charming bistro and further our discussion. On our way, we may even have time to stroll through the neighborhood market that's quieting down for the evening to peek at what may still be left in the stalls, broadening our understanding of terroir.

At another local establishment, we'll settle in to taste two red wines. Here, we have an excellent opportunity to take a closer look at the bottles to understand what’s inside. France was the first country in the world to classify its wines using AOPs. This system, dating from the 1930's, is still in use today and can be daunting to even the most seasoned wine expert. Guided by our docent, we will learn the ins and outs of this system, its initial purposes and structure, and how it has evolved today. While examining several bottles, we will be able to dissect a typical French wine label and see its quality level clearly, before even trying the wine.