Pairings between French wines and cheeses, including champagne

A 2-hour wine and cheese pairing tour in Paris offers a chance to explore the delicate flavors of French wines and cheeses with expert guidance. Priced at $71.24 per person, this experience is a focused and refined way to deepen your appreciation for France’s celebrated wine regions. Led by Simon, a knowledgeable Parisian wine bar owner, the tour covers wine basics, regional geography, and tasting techniques. It is designed for those eager to learn how to pick wines and discover the best pairings with cheeses, all in an intimate, private group setting.

One of the tour’s highlights is the inclusion of champagne, adding a touch of luxury to the tasting. Participants taste a total of 5 glasses of wine—2 white, 2 red, and a final glass of champagne—each paired with a different type of cheese. Along the way, you’ll develop your olfactory skills by comparing wine aromas to perfume samples, enhancing your ability to identify scents and flavors. While the tour is best suited for adults over 18, it does not cater to minors or those with lactose intolerance.

Key Points

• Two-hour private tour with a focus on French wines, cheeses, and champagne.
• Led by Simon, a passionate Parisian wine bar owner with extensive knowledge.
• Includes 5 wine glasses: white, red, and champagne, each paired with unique cheeses.
• Learn wine history, regional geography, and tasting techniques.
• Develop your sense of smell using perfume samples to recognize wine aromas.
• Practices in choosing wines that pair well with various dishes, leaving you ready to select wines in Paris restaurants.

Meet Simon: The Expert Guide and Wine Enthusiast

The tour begins at 33 Rue de Crussol in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, where Simon welcomes your group. As the owner of a local wine bar, he brings a deep passion for wine, cheese, and their history, making each explanation engaging and accessible. His friendly style invites questions and lively discussion, making the two hours both educational and enjoyable.

Throughout the experience, Simon shares insights on how climate, grape varieties, and region influence wine taste. His approach makes learning feel natural, whether you’re a novice or have some wine knowledge. His enthusiasm for French wine culture helps create a warm, informative atmosphere that keeps the group engaged from start to finish.

From the Old Town to the Vineyards: Understanding French Wine Regions

While the tour is based in Paris, the guide discusses the geography and history of French wine. Expect to learn about different wine regions, how their unique climates shape wine profiles, and the significance of various grape types. These insights give context to the tasting, enriching your understanding of the wines you sample.

Simon explains how climate, soil, and location influence the flavor profiles of both white and red wines. This knowledge helps you appreciate the diversity of French wines, making you better equipped to choose wines based on your taste preferences. Although the tour does not visit vineyards, it offers a comprehensive theoretical background aligned with the tasting experience.

Sensory Skills: Enhancing Your Wine Tasting Abilities

A distinctive feature of this tour is the focus on developing your sense of smell. Participants are invited to compare wine aromas with perfume samples, which boosts your ability to detect subtle scents. This exercise is especially helpful for those new to wine tasting, as aroma recognition is a key part of identifying wines.

Simon’s guidance ensures that you learn how to look at the wine’s color, smell before tasting, and appreciate the nuances of each glass. These skills elevate your wine tasting from casual to more discerning, giving you tools to continue exploring wine on your own.

The Tasting: Champagne, Red, White, and Cheese Pairings

The core of the experience is the tasting, where you’ll sample two glasses of white wine, two glasses of red, and finish with a champagne. Each wine is thoughtfully paired with a different cheese, showcasing how flavor combinations can enhance both the wine and the cheese.

The choice of wines emphasizes varieties that are representative of French regions, giving a taste of France’s diverse wine landscape. The pairing with cheese adds a layer of texture and flavor contrast, making each sip and bite more memorable. Simon guides the group through each step, explaining why each pairing works and how to evaluate the wines.

Practical Details and Logistics for the Paris Experience

The meeting point at 33 Rue de Crussol is conveniently located near public transportation, making access straightforward. The tour is limited to your private group, ensuring personalized attention from Simon. This setup fosters a relaxed environment for questions and discussion.

The experience lasts approximately 2 hours, making it an ideal choice for an afternoon activity. Since the tour is booked on average 8 days in advance, it’s wise to reserve early, especially during peak tourist seasons. The activity includes mobile tickets for easy access, and group discounts may be available.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This experience suits adults over 18 who enjoy wine, cheese, and learning about French culture. It’s particularly appealing for beginners wanting to learn the basics of wine tasting or more experienced wine lovers seeking to refine their aroma recognition and pairing skills. The private nature of the tour makes it a good choice for couples, friends, or small groups looking for a personalized, intimate experience.

People with lactose intolerance are advised that this tour includes cheese tasting, and it may not be suitable for them. The pace is relaxed, making it accessible for most participants, but those with difficulty standing for extended periods should plan accordingly.

The Value of a Parisian Wine and Cheese Experience

For $71.24 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to French wines, cheeses, and champagne within a short, engaging format. The inclusion of olfactory exercises and region-based insights adds educational value beyond simple tasting.

The guided format with Simon ensures that participants gain confidence in choosing wines, understanding pairing principles, and recognizing aromas. The personalized experience and small group setting foster a comfortable environment for learning and tasting.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience fits best for wine enthusiasts looking for a focused, educational tasting in Paris. It also appeals to foodies interested in French cuisine, as it combines wine, cheese, and storytelling. Since it’s a private activity, it also suits small groups or couples seeking a more intimate and tailored experience.

While not suitable for minors or those with lactose intolerance, it’s a perfect addition to a Paris itinerary that values culture, gastronomy, and sensory discovery. The tour’s short duration makes it easy to incorporate into a day of sightseeing.

Is this tour suitable for children or minors?
No, minors under 18 are not permitted to participate in this wine and cheese tasting experience.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends back at 33 Rue de Crussol, Paris. The meeting point is near public transportation.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The available information does not specify accessibility details; potential participants should consider the venue location.

What is included in the price?
The tour price of $71.24 includes guided wine and cheese pairing, five glasses of wine (white, red, champagne), cheese samples, and expert explanations.

How long does the experience last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

What makes this tour unique?
The combination of wine, cheese, and perfume scent exercises to develop your olfactory skills, along with the personalized guidance of Simon, sets this experience apart.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the experience is usually booked about 8 days ahead; early reservations are recommended.

Is there a group discount?
Group discounts are available, making this an appealing option for small groups or private gatherings.

Can I buy wine or cheese after the tour?
While not specified, the tour’s focus is tasting and learning; purchasing options depend on the venue.