Paris: French Wine and Cheese Guided Tasting

Picture yourself in a small, charming Parisian wine bar, with Simon, your expert guide, guiding you through the complexities of French wines and perfectly paired cheeses. This 2-hour experience costs around $82 per person and includes a tasting of two whites, two reds, and a champagne, along with five different cheeses. It’s a relaxed, intimate way to deepen your understanding of France’s famed wine regions, all while savoring delicious flavors in a warm, welcoming setting.

What we really love about this experience is how approachable and educational it is—Simon’s friendly, engaging style makes complex topics easy to follow, and the tasting setup allows plenty of time to ask questions and linger over each sip. Plus, the perfume comparison exercise to sharpen your sense of smell adds a fun, memorable twist.

A possible consideration is the location—if you’re not already in or near the right neighborhood, getting to the bar might require some planning. And because the group is small (max 8 participants), it’s best to reserve ahead.

This tour is perfect for curious travelers who enjoy good food, want to learn about French wine, and prefer a cozy, personalized experience rather than a large, formal tasting. It’s equally suited for wine novices and those with some experience looking to refine their palate in a laid-back setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Tasting in a cozy Parisian wine bar with a passionate local guide.
• Educational Focus: Learn how geography, climate, and grape variety influence French wines.
• Sensory Training: Use perfume samples to sharpen your sense of smell.
• Food Pairings: Discover the ideal cheese and wine pairings for each variety.
• Value for Money: Includes 5 cheeses and 5 wines, with expert guidance.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 8 participants for a personal, engaging experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Deep Dive into the French Wine and Cheese Experience

Location and Atmosphere

You’ll meet Simon at L’OenoVice, a charming and intimate wine bar in Paris. The setting is perfect for those who prefer a relaxed, friendly environment over large tourist spots. The space might be small, but it’s filled with character—a cozy nook where you’ll feel more like a guest than a tourist. Reviewers rave about Simon’s charisma, describing him as knowledgeable, passionate, and funny, which makes the two hours fly by.

What’s Included in the Tour

For around $82, you get a comprehensive tasting of five wines—including two whites, two reds, and one Champagne—paired with five distinct cheeses. The selection tends to be thoughtfully curated, with many reviewers noting how delicious and varied the wines and cheeses are, often exceeding expectations for the price. One guest said, “The wines and cheese were amazing,” highlighting the quality on offer.

Understanding French Wine

Simon kicks off with an overview of French wine regions, touching on how climate, soil, and local grapes influence flavors. We loved how he used graphics and simple language to explain how a wine from Burgundy differs from one from Bordeaux, making a complex subject accessible without oversimplifying. This contextual background helps you appreciate your glass more deeply, whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a novice.

The Tasting Technique

Throughout the experience, Simon teaches how to look, smell, and taste. For example, you’ll admire the deep color of red wines and compare the aroma to different perfumes—a fun technique that many reviewers found memorable and helpful. One reviewer noted, “Training my sense of smell with perfume samples was surprisingly effective.”

You’ll sample each wine with a different cheese, learning which pairings enhance flavors. For instance, a sharp aged cheese might bring out the fruitiness in a red, while a creamy cheese complements a sparkling Champagne. The guide explains not just what to taste but why these pairings work, which is fantastic for developing your palate.

Why the Cheese and Wine Pairings Matter

The cheeses are carefully chosen to match each wine, and you’ll get to taste a variety of textures and flavors—from soft, creamy cheeses to firm, nutty ones. Reviewers constantly highlight how the quality and variety of cheeses elevate the overall experience. As one reviewer put it, “Each cheese was absolutely delicious, and the wine and cheese were paired perfectly.”

Additional Fun Elements

Simon uses a perfumery exercise to help you recognize different aromatic notes, making the tasting more interactive. This training sharpens your nose, a core skill for any wine enthusiast. The reviews mention how this activity enhances the overall enjoyment and understanding of wine.

Post-Tasting Insights

By the end of the session, you’ll feel more confident in choosing wines in Parisian restaurants or wine shops. Many guests mention that they left with new knowledge and a desire to explore further, often purchasing bottles they loved directly from Simon’s recommendations.

Group Size and Accessibility

With a small group limited to 8, you get personalized attention. The experience is accessible to those in wheelchairs and suitable for English and French speakers. It’s a perfect choice for travelers who want a story-rich, intimate tasting without the crowds.

Value and Pricing

Considering the quality of wines, cheeses, and Simon’s expert guidance, this experience offers excellent value. Multiple reviewers have mentioned that the depth of knowledge and the tasting quality far surpass the modest price. Some note that the experience has prepared them to better appreciate wine and cheese pairings anywhere in Paris.

Considerations for Travelers

The main factor to keep in mind is location—you should plan your route to arrive comfortably on time, especially since the bar isn’t large. Also, the experience isn’t suitable for children or pregnant women, given the alcohol consumption.

Who Will Love This Tour

This tasting is ideal for foodies and wine lovers seeking an authentic, relaxed experience in Paris. It’s great for those who want to learn, taste, and expand their palate in a friendly environment. Even if you’re not a wine expert, you’ll find the explanations engaging and accessible.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Experience Best For?

If you’re interested in understanding French wine regions, learning how to pair cheese and wine, and enjoy a small, friendly environment, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate quality over quantity, as the focus is on educational depth and flavor rather than large tastings. The knowledgeable guide, Simon, makes all the difference—his passion and humor turn the experience into a memorable highlight of any Paris trip.

While the price is reasonable for the amount and quality of tastings, it’s mainly suited for those who want more than just a superficial overview. The experience’s intimate setting and focused guidance are especially valuable if you’re curious about French wine culture, or simply want a delicious and informative outing.

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of education, flavor, and local charm. It’s a genuine, approachable way to connect with Paris’s famous wine and cheese scene, leaving you better equipped to enjoy your future meals and tastings back home or in Paris itself.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for wine beginners?
Absolutely. The guide’s explanations are straightforward and designed to help everyone, regardless of prior knowledge, understand and enjoy the wines and cheeses.

How many wines and cheeses are tasted?
You’ll sample two white wines, two red wines, and one Champagne, paired with five cheeses. The selection is carefully curated for variety and quality.

Where do we meet?
You meet Simon at L’OenoVice, a cozy wine bar in Paris, known for its welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff.

Is the experience accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and the small group size ensures personalized attention.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 2 hours, providing ample time for tasting, learning, and chatting.

Can I purchase bottles of wine during or after the tour?
While the reviews don’t specify purchasing options, many guests expressed interest in buying wines they enjoyed, so it’s likely you can inquire during the experience.

Is it suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, since it involves alcohol, it’s not suitable for children or pregnant women.

This guided wine and cheese tasting offers an authentic taste of France’s culinary richness in an intimate, educational setting. Perfect for those wanting to enhance their appreciation of French wines, it’s a memorable way to spend an evening in Paris—learning, tasting, and perhaps even discovering your new favorite wine.