Best wine-tasting experiences in Paris [2024]

Wine plays an important role in French history and culture. Although many tourists like to visit the southern regions of Bordeaux and Provence for wine-tasting experiences, wine tasting in Paris is second to none!

Try out a selection of top-quality wines and delicious French food pairings during your Parisian wine-tasting experience. Whether you want to explore a range of wine bars or you’re looking for something simple to introduce you to the world of French wine, there’s something for everyone.

Let’s take a look at the best wine-tasting experiences in Paris, including top wine-tasting venues, must-have French wines, and some tips to experience wine like a local.

What's the Paris wine-tasting scene like?

The Paris wine-tasting scene is known for its variety. With a range of incredible wine bars, bistros, cellars, and restaurants, you can enjoy wine tastings at chic locations across the city.

However, Paris is also a popular destination for tourists who want to explore the surrounding regions of France, such as Champagne or Reims.

Try out a selection of wine varieties within the capital or explore wineries and vineyards outside the city on a fun day trip.

What are the must-try French wines?

As one of the largest wine producers in the world, France is known for its red, white, rosé, and sparkling wine varieties.

Champagne, a sparkling wine with a decadent reputation, plays an important role in the history and tradition of French wine. True champagne must be made in the Champagne region of northern France, such as Dom Pérignon Brut®.

France also produces must-try red wines. Pinot noir is a common grape grown in many Burgundy vineyards. The Bordeaux region of France is also known for its full-bodied red wines. This includes grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Savoie wine is exported across the world. Produced in eastern France, Savoie wines are typically dry white wines.

What are some of the top wine-tasting venues in Paris?

There are many great wine-tasting venues to check out in Paris, including beautiful city vineyards, guided wine tours, and cozy bistros.

Let’s take a look at some of the top venues for tourists and wine enthusiasts.

Ô Chateau

Ô Chateau® offers one of the best wine-tasting experiences in Paris, especially for beginners, as their tastings aim to provide an introduction to French wine.

You can enjoy a selection of different wine tastings with Ô Chateau, such as a wine-tasting dinner, a tasting along the Seine, or a Grand Cru tasting.

The Ô Chateau Grand Cru Tasting includes artisanal cheese platters and 6 French wines from Champagne, Alsace, Burgundy, and Rhône, and 2 Bordeaux wines. You can learn how the wine is made and understand the rich history and culture of French wine.

Ô Chateau is located in the center of Paris – and it’s easy to access by Metro if you’re staying in the city. You can also get a taxi to this popular wine-tasting destination.

Price: Grand Cru Tasting: 169 EUR¹

Promenade des Sens

Promenade des Sens® runs walking wine tours of Paris. Take part in a guided walk around the city while you sample a range of wines.

You’ll need to get in touch with Promenade de Sens for more information about where to meet for your tour – and each tour is personalized for your event. However, these wine tours typically go through Saint-Germain-des-Prés, taking a look at some of the best wine merchants in the district.

You’ll have time to taste multiple wines and gourmet food pairings – and you can learn a bit more about the wine-making process from esteemed Parisian experts.

Price: Semi-personalized tour: 99 EUR per person²

Clos Montmartre

Clos Montmartre® is a small vineyard in the heart of Paris. Situated behind the Montmartre Museum in the 18th Arrondissement, the vineyard produces a range of different grape varieties, including pinots and Muscat bleu.

A Paris Wine Walk® includes a tasting at Clos Montmartre. You can try out Clos Montmartre wine, as well as 2 natural wines and delicious food pairings to go with your samples.

Clos Montmartre is linked to other parts of the city by Metro, so it’s not hard to get from your hotel to this iconic wine-tasting location. You can drive to the vineyard or visit by foot while you’re busy exploring the city.

It’s unusual to find a vineyard in the middle of a city – which makes Clos Montmartre well worth adding to your list!

Price: From 91.46 EUR per person³

How to experience French wine in Paris and its surroundings

There are a few ways to experience a French wine-tasting activity – and no two Parisian wine tastings are the same.

Let’s take a look at how to make the most of French wine during your trip to Paris.

Guided French wine tasting

It can be overwhelming to choose just one wine bar or bistro for your tasting, so guided French wine-tasting tours are a great idea if you don’t know where to start.

You can join a tour to learn more about French wine, history, and culture – including a closer look at wineries or wine districts throughout the city.

For example, Le Marais Paris: The Original District Food and Wine Tasting Tour® explores the famous district of Le Marais. As part of this walking tour, visitors can try out local food and wine – all while taking in the history of the city.⁴

Les Caves du Louvre® also offers a guided tour of the former wine cellars of the king of France, including a tasting of 3 different wines for visitors.⁵

Exploring vineyards and wineries

Even though Paris is a city location, there are a few beautiful urban vineyards to visit during your wine-tasting trip.

Vigne de la Butte Bergeyre® offers a wonderful view of the city, growing pinot noir and chardonnay grapes. Clos de Belleville® is also a popular Parisian vineyard, with pinot Meunier and chardonnay grape varieties.

You can also visit wineries in the surrounding areas of France, such as the Champagne region. Paris is a great place to stay if you want to explore northern France, with transport links across the country.

Wine and cheese pairing experiences in Paris

Many wine-tasting experiences include food pairings to enjoy with your wine – and there are lots of opportunities to try out local cheeses as part of your wine tour.

The Ô Chateau French Wine, Cheese and Charcuterie Tasting lets visitors try champagne, a 3-course menu, and 3 wines to pair with food.⁶

You can also learn a bit more about the cheese-making process during your wine and cheese pairing experience, including a closer look at traditions in Paris.

Wine-tasting workshops and classes

Some popular Parisian wine bars and cellars offer wine-tasting workshops for beginners to learn more about French wine. This is a fantastic chance for tourists and visitors to understand how to properly taste French wine.

For example, Caves Legrand® runs regular “Wine School” events. This popular wine-tasting venue aims to help visitors understand how to appreciate good French wine – and you can speak to expert sommeliers about their experiences.⁷

Winery La Derniere Goutte® also organizes wine-tasting classes in English for tourists. You can enjoy a proper introduction to wine tasting in France, looking at the geography of French wine regions and how to taste wine like a pro.⁸

Bottom line: is it worth wine tasting in Paris?

It’s well worth trying out a Paris wine tasting – and there’s a huge selection of wine-tasting experiences across the city. You can enjoy a unique urban vineyard tour or try out an introductory class to French wine as part of your tasting.

Locations like Clos Montmartre and Ô Chateau showcase the very best of Parisian wine tasting. There’s always something new to explore in the City of Lights!