Private Wine and Cheese Tasting in Paris

Imagine sitting in a cozy Parisian apartment, glass in hand, surrounded by the aroma of delicious wines and fresh cheeses. For just $200 per person and lasting around two hours, this private tasting experience offers a delightful way to deepen your understanding of France’s famed culinary traditions. Led by an expert oenologist, you’ll explore the nuances of wine pairing, savor a selection of French cheeses, and learn how to develop your olfactory senses—all in an intimate setting that feels more like visiting a friend than joining a tour.

What we love about this experience is the expert guidance—the guide, whose knowledge makes even complex topics like grape varieties and wine-making approachable—and the personalized attention in a private group, allowing for questions and meaningful conversation. The tasting of cheeses like goat cheese and comté paired with wines in a cozy Paris apartment makes for a memorable, authentic experience.

A potential consideration is that this experience is not suitable for children under 18 and is designed for adults who appreciate wine and cheese. Also, since it’s limited to private groups, it might be less flexible in timing if you’re on a tight schedule, so planning ahead is wise.

This tour caters especially well to food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and those seeking an authentic, immersive taste of Parisian life. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting to explore French flavors, you’ll find this experience both educational and enjoyable.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Expert-led tasting provides deep insights into wine and cheese pairings.
Intimate, private setting enhances the learning and tasting experience.
Includes four wines and three cheeses, showcasing France’s rich variety.
Learn techniques for storing and savoring cheese, plus tasting using all senses.
Ideal for adults interested in a meaningful, authentic culinary experience.
Cancellation flexibility: free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Paris

Why This Tasting Stands Out

This private wine and cheese tasting in Paris offers a rare chance to explore French culinary craftsmanship in a relaxed, personal environment. Hosted in a Parisian apartment on rue Racine, the experience feels like a homecoming rather than a typical tourist activity. The guide, whose name isn’t provided but is described as “great,” is praised for her knowledge and friendliness, making complex topics accessible and engaging.

We loved the way she explained pairing techniques—like matching Comté with certain white wines or how to recognize subtle aromas—and how she encouraged us to use our olfactory senses to distinguish flavors. This focus on sensory skills turns tasting from a passive activity into an interactive journey.

Another highlight is the variety of cheeses introduced—ranging from floral rind cheeses like Brie and Camembert to hard cheeses like Emmental and Beaufort—plus tips on storing cheese properly. The wines sampled are described as some of the best in France, carefully chosen to showcase different grape varieties and styles.

A potential drawback is that the cost of $200 per person might seem high for some, especially if you’re looking for a casual tasting. However, considering the personalized guidance, quality of the wines and cheeses, and the learning opportunity, many find it to be excellent value.

This experience is best suited for adults who enjoy wine and cheese and want to learn how to pair and appreciate them better, especially those eager to go beyond surface tastes and develop their olfactory and tasting skills.

A Thorough Look at the Experience

The Itinerary and Setting

Starting at the Bouillon Racine, a charming location in the 6th arrondissement, you’ll be welcomed into a parisian apartment that exudes authentic charm. The setting immediately puts you at ease, with plush seating, good lighting, and the subtle aroma of wine and cheese in the air. The experience lasts approximately two hours, which is enough time to relax, taste, ask questions, and absorb lots of new knowledge.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Guide and Learning Approach

Your host is an expert oenologist who enjoys sharing her passion for French wine and cheese. Her approach combines educational insights with practical tips, making the experience accessible to everyone regardless of your prior knowledge. She covers grape varieties and wine-making processes, explaining how different factors influence flavor and aroma.

You’ll learn how to taste wine correctly, starting with sight, then smell, then taste—a process that transforms a simple sip into a full sensory exploration. She emphasizes developing olfactory senses, encouraging guests to notice subtle hints in aroma and flavor.

If wine interests you, we've examined these other wine experiences in Paris

The Cheese and Wine Pairings

The cheeses, including goat cheese and comté, are paired thoughtfully with each wine to highlight complementary flavors. You’ll learn techniques to store and savor cheese—tips that will elevate your cheese game at home. The cheeses are described as delicious and authentic, with a variety that showcases France’s diverse cheese-making traditions.

The Tasting Experience

During the tasting, you sample four types of wine—likely including whites and reds—and three types of cheese. The guide discusses how to match cheeses like chevrotin or crottin de Chavignol with different wines, illustrating the science behind pairing while allowing your palate to explore.

Authenticity and Atmosphere

The intimate setting fosters a relaxed atmosphere ideal for asking questions and making personal discoveries. Several reviews highlight the guide’s friendliness and knowledge, with one reviewer praising her as a “great guide.”

Practical Details

Price: At $200 per person, this experience offers value for those interested in a personalized, educational tasting.
Duration: Two hours provides ample time to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
Language options: Guided in English, French, and Spanish, making it accessible for many travelers.
Meeting point: Central and easy to find at Bouillon Racine.

Why It’s Worth Considering

While the price might seem on the higher side, you’re paying for a personalized experience led by a knowledgeable guide, with high-quality wines and cheeses. This isn’t a quick tasting—it’s a learning journey that will enhance your appreciation of French wines and cheeses long after your trip.

The experience’s small group/private setting ensures you can ask questions and get tailored advice, which is perfect if you’re serious about cultivating your palate or impressing friends with your newfound knowledge.

However, if you’re on a strict budget or prefer a more casual tasting, this might be more than you need. But for anyone eager to invest in their culinary education or experience authentic Parisian flavors in a relaxed, friendly environment, this tour fits the bill.

The Sum Up

This private wine and cheese tasting experience in Paris offers a perfect blend of education, authenticity, and intimacy. It’s ideal for adults passionate about food and drink, or travelers looking for a deeper cultural connection through Paris’s culinary delights. You’ll come away not just with new knowledge, but also with the confidence to appreciate and pair wines and cheeses on your own.

The expert guidance and high-quality selections make it a standout activity, especially if you want a memorable, hands-on experience that feels like a personal class in French gastronomy. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious novice, this experience encourages you to see, smell, taste—and truly enjoy—the art of French wine and cheese.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately two hours, providing enough time to taste, learn, and ask questions without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
You’ll taste four different wines and three types of cheese, with guidance on how to appreciate and pair them.

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, the minimum age for this tour is 18, as it involves alcohol tasting.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to keep your plans flexible.

What languages are available for the guide?
The tour is conducted in English, French, and Spanish, accommodating a variety of travelers.

Where do we meet?
The meeting point is at Bouillon Racine, 3, rue Racine, Paris 75006.

Is this experience private or group-based?
It’s a private group experience, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

What kinds of cheeses will I learn about?
The guide discusses cheeses like goat cheese, camembert, brie, chevrotin, crottin de Chavignol, emmental, comté, and beaufort.

How does this experience help me at home?
You’ll learn techniques for storing cheese and pairing wine and cheese, skills you can use to impress friends or elevate your own wine and cheese nights.

Is the price justified?
Considering the expert guidance, quality of wines and cheeses, and intimate setting, many find the cost well worth the educational and sensory experience.

This detailed review hopefully gives you a clear picture of what to expect and why this private wine and cheese tasting in Paris can be such a rewarding part of your journey. Whether you’re savoring the flavors for the first time or refining your palate, this experience promises memorable moments and valuable knowledge.