Nice: French Wine Tasting Class with Cheese & 8 Regional Wines

Summary

French wine class in Nice city centre with cheese pairing and a local guide

You’ll taste eight distinct French wines in central Nice with a small group led by an easygoing sommelier. Learn about famous regions like Bordeaux plus lesser-known ones, pair each pour with cheeses and snacks, share laughs over guessing flavors, and leave feeling like you’ve traveled across France in just a couple hours.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the clink of glasses — not loud, just enough to make me pause outside the door in Nice’s old city. Inside, our sommelier (Mathieu, who wore this faded linen shirt and had that easy Côte d’Azur warmth) already had bottles lined up on a wooden table. There was this faint scent of cork and something floral — maybe the open window helped. We all sat down together, a bit awkward at first, but Mathieu poured us something white and crisp from Alsace and suddenly it felt like we were friends at someone’s kitchen table.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much at a wine tasting class. Mathieu told us about the different French wine regions — Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne — but also these tiny places I’d never heard of. He made us guess which grape was which (I got one right by accident). At one point he held up a glass and said “Smell this — tell me what you feel.” Honestly, I mostly smelled bread crust and maybe apples? Someone else said “wet stones,” which made everyone giggle. The cheese plate came out with slices of Comté and some soft stuff I can’t pronounce; it matched the wine in ways I still don’t understand but really liked.

We tried eight wines in total. By the time we reached a deep red from Cahors, the room felt warmer (maybe that was just me). People started sharing stories — one guy talked about his grandmother’s vineyard near Lyon; another woman tried her best French accent and got applause. Mathieu answered every question without making anyone feel silly. There were snacks too, nothing fancy but good: olives, nuts, little crackers. The whole thing lasted maybe two hours but it could’ve gone longer and nobody would’ve minded.

I still think about that moment when sunlight hit my glass just right — golden stripes across the table — and for a second everything slowed down. If you’re looking for a day trip or just want to taste real French wine in Nice with people who care about it (and don’t take themselves too seriously), this is honestly worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — French wine tasting and education

• Join wine tasting class in Nice
• Learn about French wine regions
• Taste 8 wines from France
• Enjoy cheese and snacks pairing
• Discover grape varieties and history
• Share impressions with fellow tasters

Top questions

How many wines do you taste during the class?

You’ll sample eight different wines from various French regions.

Is food included in the wine tasting class?

Yes, cheese and snacks are served alongside the wines.

Where does the wine tasting take place in Nice?

The class is held in Nice city centre.

Who leads the wine tasting experience?

A local sommelier guides the session and shares stories about each region.

Are there vegetarian options for snacks?

The included snacks are cheese-based; specific dietary needs aren’t detailed.

Is this suitable for beginners or only experts?

The class is designed for all levels; no prior knowledge needed.

How long does the wine tasting last?

The experience lasts around two hours.

Does this include pickup or transportation?

No pickup is included; public transport options are nearby.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes eight regional French wines to taste alongside cheese and snack pairings, all guided by a knowledgeable local sommelier in central Nice—no need to worry about transport as it’s easy to reach by public transit.