Paris Wine Tasting Course: 5 Wines / 1 Sommelier / Aperitif Boards

Explore Paris’s Intimate Wine Tasting Experience with a Skilled Sommelier

The Paris Wine Tasting Course offered by vini la cave is a 2-hour journey into the world of French wines, hosted at the cozy Canons Canons wine cellar in the 10th arrondissement of Paris. For just the price of a typical dinner, participants sample 5 carefully selected wines, including whites, sparkling varieties, reds, and even a blind tasting of a red wine. The experience is led by a professional sommelier who guides guests in understanding wine nuances in both French and English.

This tasting session also includes artisan aperitif boards, featuring high-quality, nitrite-free products. The tour’s affordability and focus on education make it ideal for wine enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike, though it’s best suited for those over 18 and not pregnant. The tour’s near Canal Saint Martin location adds a charming Parisian backdrop to the wine adventure.

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Key Points

• Duration: 2 hours, perfect for an evening activity
• Location: Canons Canons, 49 Rue du Faubourg du Temple, Paris 10th arrondissement
• Price: Includes 5 wines, aperitif boards, and expert guidance
• Highlights: Pouring wine directly from barrels, blind tasting with black glasses
• Language: Conducted in French and English
• Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, flexible payment options

The Starting Point at Canons Canons in Paris’s 10th

The wine experience begins at Canons Canons, located at 49 Rue du Faubourg du Temple, near Goncourt metro station (Line 11) and Republique (Lines 3, 5, 8, 9, 11). This central spot offers easy access for visitors and provides an intimate setting within a historic urban wine cellar. The location is small and authentic, setting the perfect tone for a relaxed yet informative session.

Participants gather around a century-old table at the heart of the cellar, where the guides set the tone for a convivial evening. The cellar’s ambiance, combined with the proximity to the Canal Saint Martin, makes this more than just a tasting—it’s a chance to enjoy Paris in a laid-back, friendly environment.

Pouring from the Barrel: First Tastes and Learning Basics

The tour kicks off with guests sampling a wine straight from one of the 9 barrels. This unique aspect allows participants to observe and understand the wine’s characteristics directly from the source. The sommelier explains the basics of wine tasting, including how to assess appearance, aroma, and palate, making this session accessible whether you’re a novice or more experienced.

This initial tasting sets the tone for the night, emphasizing the art of wine appreciation and providing practical tips that can be used long after the session ends. The guide’s clarity and enthusiasm make complex concepts approachable, fostering confidence in each participant’s tasting abilities.

Discovering the Diverse Range of 5 Wines

Throughout the session, the focus is on sampling five different wines, covering a broad spectrum of styles. You’ll experience white wines, sparkling varieties, reds, and other distinctive types, ensuring a well-rounded view of French wine offerings. One of the highlights is the blind tasting of a red wine using black glasses, which hones sensory skills by preventing visual bias.

Each wine is presented with context, including background on production techniques and pairing suggestions. The guide’s explanations help deepen understanding and appreciation, making each sip more meaningful. The selection is praised for its quality and variety, offering a genuine taste of France’s wine diversity.

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Artistic Aperitif Boards with Quality, Nitrite-Free Products

Between tastings, guests enjoy artisan aperitif platters featuring high-quality, nitrite-free products. These boards are thoughtfully curated, complementing the wines beautifully. The combination of delicious cheeses, charcuterie, and accompaniments creates a welcoming, convivial atmosphere.

The food enhances the tasting experience, allowing guests to pause and savor while discussing the wines. The artisan nature of the products appeals to those who appreciate well-made, natural foods, adding an extra layer of pleasure to the evening.

The Black Glass Blind Tasting: Sharpening Senses

A key feature of this tour is the blind tasting with black glasses, designed to challenge your visual perceptions and focus more on taste and aroma. This exercise is both fun and educational, encouraging participants to trust their senses and recognize wine qualities without visual cues.

The black glass tasting not only makes the session more interactive but also helps sharpen your sensory awareness, turning a simple wine tasting into an engaging sensory exercise. It’s a memorable part of the experience that highlights the importance of trusting your palate.

Bubbles to Brighten the Evening

The experience culminates with sparkling wines or bubbly, providing a lively and uplifting closure. Bubbles are naturally associated with celebration, and their inclusion helps lift spirits and add excitement to the night. The effervescence offers a delightful contrast to the previous wines, maintaining energy and engagement until the end.

Guests also have the opportunity to purchase wines and products at room temperature at the boutique afterward, if they wish to continue exploring French wines or take some home as souvenirs.

Logistics and Accessibility of the Experience

The tour departs promptly at 8 pm at Canons Canons, with the meeting point clearly marked at Vini la Cave, coordinates 48.869667, 2.369516. The group size is not specified, but the intimate setting suggests a cozy, engaging atmosphere.

Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The activity is available in French and English, making it accessible to a broad audience. It is not suitable for pregnant women or children under 18, aligning with the alcohol tasting nature.

The Guide: Knowledgeable and Passionate

Guided by a professional sommelier, the session benefits from clear explanations and engaging storytelling. The guides are praised for their warmth, knowledge, and ability to answer questions, making the experience both educational and personable. Guests note the guides’ enthusiasm, which enhances the overall enjoyment of the evening.

The wine expert ensures that guests leave with not only new tasting skills but also interesting facts about wine production and pairing that can be applied elsewhere.

Value for Money and Overall Experience

At approximately 2 hours, this wine tasting offers excellent value, especially considering the inclusion of 5 wines, artisan food platters, and expert guidance. The opportunity to pour wine directly from the barrels and participate in blind tasting exercises sets this experience apart from more standard tastings.

The welcoming atmosphere, high-quality products, and knowledgeable guides make this a highly recommended activity for adults wanting to deepen their wine knowledge or simply enjoy a relaxed Parisian evening with friends or partners.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience suits those interested in learning about French wines in an informal setting or looking for an authentic, intimate activity near Canal Saint Martin. It appeals to wine lovers of all levels, especially those who enjoy artisan foods and interactive tastings. The session’s small-group feel makes it perfect for couples, friends, or colleagues seeking a memorable night out.

The only limitations are for pregnant women and minors, but for anyone over 18 seeking a taste of Paris’s wine culture, this is a delightful and educational choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts 2 hours, starting at 8 pm.

Where does the tour take place?
It begins at Canons Canons, 49 Rue du Faubourg du Temple, in the 10th arrondissement, near Goncourt metro station.

What is included in the price?
The price covers 5 wines, artisan aperitif boards, and guidance from a professional sommelier. Wines are available for purchase afterward.

Is the tour suitable for non-French speakers?
Yes, guides lead in French and English, making it accessible for most visitors.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are children allowed?
No, the activity is not suitable for minors or pregnant women.

What makes this experience different from other wine tastings?
The pouring directly from barrels and blind tasting exercises are unique features that enhance learning and engagement.

Can I buy wines to take home?
Yes, all tasting wines and products are available at room temperature at the boutique after the session.

Is there a dress code?
There is no formal dress code, but smart casual is recommended to match the relaxed yet refined setting.

What if fewer than four people book?
Workshops are not guaranteed with fewer than four participants, but a new date may be offered if needed.

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