Paris: Wine Tasting with Sommelier Thierry in Latin Quarter

Summary

French wine regions come alive in Paris with a local sommelier

You’ll join a small group in Paris’s Latin Quarter for an honest, hands-on wine tasting led by certified sommelier Thierry. Taste six French wines — Champagne, whites from Loire & Burgundy, reds from Bordeaux & beyond — while learning stories behind each region. With maps, laughter, and maybe some cheese if you plan ahead, you’ll leave with new skills (and probably a favorite bottle).

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if you’re swirling your wine the right way? That was my first thought walking into this cozy spot tucked somewhere between old bookshops and cafés in the Latin Quarter of Paris. Thierry greeted us — he’s the owner and our guide, and honestly, he just looked like someone who knows his way around a vineyard (and he does). The room smelled faintly of cork and something floral I couldn’t quite place. We were just twelve people, so it felt more like friends gathering than a class.

We started with Champagne — Thierry poured it slow, talking about tiny bubbles and the chalky soils of Reims. I could hear laughter from the street outside every now and then. He had maps spread out on the table, tracing lines from Bordeaux to Burgundy as we tasted our way through six French wines. At one point I tried to pronounce “Pouilly-Fuissé” and got it so wrong that Thierry grinned and said, “You’ll get it by the last glass.” Maybe I did, maybe not.

If you want cheese (which you do), you have to ask ahead — someone next to me had remembered, and the smell made me wish I’d emailed earlier. Each wine had its own story; Thierry shared little details about labels and aromas without making it feel stuffy or complicated. By the time we reached the last red (from either Rhone or Languedoc — it changes), I felt oddly confident reading French wine labels. Still can’t swirl without spilling a drop though.

I left with a tiny French wine guide in my pocket and a new respect for how much history fits inside one glass. There’s something about learning from someone who’s spent their life around these bottles that sticks with you — even if you never quite master saying “Chassagne-Montrachet.”

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tasting and learning session

• Meet English-speaking sommelier Thierry
• Discover wines from famous French regions
• Learn to decipher French wine labels
• Taste six different French wines
• See maps, pictures, and wine facts
• Learn to recognize wine aromas
• Receive a small French wine guide

Top questions

How many wines do you taste during this Paris wine tasting?

You’ll taste six different French wines: Champagne, two whites (Loire Valley & Burgundy), three reds (Burgundy, Bordeaux & Rhone or Languedoc).

Is this Paris wine tasting suitable for beginners?

Yes, even beginners will feel comfortable — Thierry explains everything simply and gives tips for understanding French wine labels.

Where does the wine tasting take place in Paris?

The tasting is held in a charming venue in the heart of the Latin Quarter.

Can I add cheese to my Paris wine tasting?

You can request a cheese platter by emailing ahead; payment is due on arrival.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is limited to 12 people maximum.

Who leads the Paris wine tasting tour?

The owner Thierry leads the tasting; he’s a certified sommelier and official Burgundy instructor who speaks English fluently.

Is this experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible including transportation options nearby.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes guided tastings of six French wines led by certified sommelier Thierry in a small group setting at a welcoming spot in Paris’s Latin Quarter. You’ll get maps and stories for context, plus a pocket-sized French wine guide to take home; cheese platters are available if requested before arrival.