A Close Look at the French Wine, Champagne, and Cheese Tasting at the Secret Wine Door
If you’re visiting Paris and love good wine, cheese, and gourmet foods, this two-hour tasting experience is a delightful way to soak in the city’s culinary soul. For just $91.53 per person, you’ll meet in the 15th arrondissement close to the Eiffel Tower, where a small group of no more than 12 enthusiasts gather for an expertly guided journey into French flavors. Expect to sample six wines—including Champagne—paired with six cheeses and fresh French bread. It’s an intimate, informative, and tasty experience that’s perfect for foodies and wine lovers alike.
What we really appreciated are the personalized attention with a small group, which makes asking questions and engaging with the guide, Erwan, much easier. We also loved the way the experience combined learning and tasting — you’ll pick up useful tips on how to taste wine like a professional and understanding regional differences in French wines. One small caveat: it’s a short experience, so if you’re looking for a deep dive into French wine history, this might be more of a tasting than a full-on education.
This tour is ideal for those who enjoy guidance in a cozy setting and want a locally curated experience rather than a large, commercial tasting room. It’s perfect for first-time visitors with limited time, or returning travelers wanting to add a bit of culinary sparkle to their trip.
Key Points
- Small-group intimacy ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Six expertly paired wines including Champagne and regional reds and whites.
- Learn professional tasting techniques and regional distinctions.
- Authentic French cheeses and bread elevate the tasting experience.
- Ideal for foodies and wine enthusiasts who want a genuine taste of France.
- Convenient location near the Eiffel Tower with easy metro access.
An In-Depth Look at the Experience
Keen to taste more of Paris? We've looked into these other food and drink experiences
Starting Point and Location
Your journey begins at 3 Rue Bouchut in the 15th arrondissement, just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower or accessible via the metro (lines 6 and 10 are closest). The venue is described as a “secret wine door,” hinting at a cozy, somewhat hidden spot that adds an element of discovery—something many travelers appreciate in Paris.
While the tour starts in the late afternoon, the location offers a chance to stroll through nearby Champ de Mars beforehand, soaking up views of the Eiffel Tower and experiencing a slice of Parisian life before diving into wine and cheese. It’s a perfect blend of sightseeing and tasting, especially if you’re in the area already.
The Itinerary and What to Expect
The core of this experience is a guided tasting led by Erwan, who’s praised repeatedly for his engaging, knowledgeable, and charming style. The focus is on French wines, with a clear emphasis on region-specific varieties, including Champagne, whites, and reds. You’ll taste six different wines—a mix that includes Champagne, and two white and three red wines—carefully selected to showcase France’s diversity.
Alongside the wines, you’ll sample five French cheeses paired thoughtfully with bread, making for a balanced, satisfying tasting. The cheeses span different regions, providing a taste of France’s varied dairy traditions, and the bread is fresh, enhancing each pairing without overwhelming the palate.
The Learning Aspect
Participants rave about the knowledge-sharing component. You’ll learn how to taste wine like a pro, picking up tips on visual inspection, smelling, and tasting techniques. Erwan’s explanations often focus on regional differences and how to order wine in France based on region rather than grape—a handy tip for future wine purchases.
Several reviewers mention how accessible the guide makes the learning process, noting that even those with little prior knowledge leave feeling more confident in their wine choices. As one reviewer put it, “He gives you just the right amount of knowledge to pick a great bottle of wine,” which makes the experience both fun and educational.
Atmosphere and Group Size
With a maximum of 12 participants, the ambiance is warm and intimate, fostering a good environment for questions and conversations. Many reviews comment on how Erwan’s engaging personality makes the experience feel like a small gathering of friends rather than a formal class. The venue itself is described as cozy, not overly large, which adds to the personal touch.
If wine interests you, we've examined these other wine experiences in Paris
- Moulin Rouge Show with Champagne and Seine River Cruise Ticket
- Montmartre Hill French Gourmet Food and Wine Tasting Walking Tour
- Paris Wine Tasting plus Cheese Lunch with an Expert Sommelier
- Loire Valley Wine and Castles Small-Group Day Trip from Paris
- Paris Art of Pairing Cheese and Wine Tasting in a Cheese Cellar
- Paris Montmartre Food & Wine Tour with Eating Europe
The End and Shopping Opportunity
The experience concludes with an optional opportunity to purchase wines directly from the host, allowing you to bring a piece of France home. Many participants find this appealing, especially after discovering a favorite bottle during the tasting.
If you haven’t yet seen the Eiffel Tower, the walk back is only about 15 minutes, making it easy to combine this experience with sightseeing or dinner plans.
Analyzing the Value
At $91.53, the tour offers excellent value considering the quality of the wines, cheeses, and personalized guidance. Participants consistently mention how much they learn about French wine regions, pairings, and how to appreciate wine—knowledge that can enhance future trips or wine purchases.
Given that the tour includes six wine glasses (including Champagne), six cheeses, and bread, it’s a substantial tasting. The small-group size ensures individual attention, which adds significantly to the overall value and enjoyment.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is best suited for foodies who enjoy learning about wine and cheese in a relaxed setting. It’s also perfect for first-time visitors wanting an authentic, manageable introduction to French wine culture. If you appreciate a personalized touch with a knowledgeable guide, this tour ticks those boxes.
However, if you’re a serious connoisseur seeking an in-depth class or a large commercial tasting, this might feel a little light. But for most travelers wanting a fun, educational, and delicious taste of Parisian gastronomy**, it’s an ideal choice.
Practical Tips
- Arrive early to enjoy a stroll in Champ de Mars or walk directly from nearby metro stops.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the short walk to the venue.
- If you’re interested in buying wine, plan some space in your luggage.
- The experience is accessible for all travelers, including service animals.
- Remember, cancelation is free up to 24 hours in advance, so you can book with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I find the meeting point?
The tour begins at 3 Rue Bouchut, just a few minutes’ walk from the Eiffel Tower and easily accessible via metro lines 6 and 10.
What is included in the price?
You get six glasses of wine (including Champagne), six cheeses, and French bread, all in an intimate setting.
How many people are in the group?
A maximum of 12 guests ensures a relaxed, personalized experience.
Is this suitable for wine beginners?
Absolutely. Many reviews highlight how accessible Erwan makes the tasting, teaching how to taste wine properly even if you’re new to it.
Can I buy the wines I taste?
Yes, there’s an opportunity to shop for bottles at the end of the tour.
Is transportation included?
No, you’ll need to arrange your own transport to and from the venue.
What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is fine. The venue isn’t formal, but it’s nice to look presentable.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Most travelers say “most can participate,” so it’s suitable for adults, but children are generally not the target audience.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.
Final Thoughts
This tasting tour near the Eiffel Tower offers more than just a sip of wine—it’s a chance to understand the culture behind France’s legendary drinks and cheeses. The combination of expert guidance, regional variety, and authentic pairings makes it especially appealing for travelers eager to add a culinary dimension to their Paris trip.
If you’re looking for a relaxed, friendly, and informative experience that feels genuine rather than touristy, this is a winner. It’s perfect for foodies, wine enthusiasts, or first-time visitors wanting a taste of local life in a cozy setting.
In short, this experience provides great value, delicious sampling, and a fun learning environment—a memorable highlight for anyone wanting to enjoy Paris through its flavors.
More Wine Tours in Paris
More Food & Drink Experiences in Paris
- Wine Tasting In Paris
- Mont Saint-Michel Small-Group Trip with Cider Tasting from Paris
- Champagne and Reims Tasting Day Trip from Paris
- Paris Montmartre Food Tour – A Full French Meal by Do Eat Better
- Paris Saint Germain Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours
- The only Paris Wine Tasting experience you need to do – 2 hours
More Tour Reviews in Paris
- Paris Louvre Museum Skip the Line Must-Sees Guided Tour
- Wine Tasting In Paris
- Mont Saint-Michel Small-Group Trip with Cider Tasting from Paris
- Paris: Charming Nooks and Crannies Bike Tour
- Champagne and Reims Tasting Day Trip from Paris
- Paris Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide, Hidden Gems & Highlights
More Paris experiences we've covered
- Paris Louvre Museum Skip the Line Must-Sees Guided Tour
- Wine Tasting In Paris
- Mont Saint-Michel Small-Group Trip with Cider Tasting from Paris
- Paris: Charming Nooks and Crannies Bike Tour
- Champagne and Reims Tasting Day Trip from Paris
- Paris Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide, Hidden Gems & Highlights
- Louvre Museum Masterpieces Skip-the-Line and Small-Group Tour
- Paris Bustronome Gourmet Sightseeing Dinner on a Panoramic Bus
- Paris Louvre Small Group Tour with Pre-Reserved Tickets
- Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Small-Group Day Trip from Paris
- Paris Montmartre Food Tour – A Full French Meal by Do Eat Better
- Giverny Monet’s Garden & Auvers-sur-Oise with Van Gogh House Full Day From Paris