Paris: French Wine Tasting Class with Sommelier
Learn how to taste and identify wine on a fun and informative wine tasting experience of French wines in Paris. You will take a virtual trip through the wine regions of France, sampling the goods in the company of an expert sommelier.
About this activityJoin the kind of class you weren't offered at school and get advice on how to identify, select, and taste wine. Held in central Paris, go on a journey through the wine regions of France for the wine tasting tour de France option, and get a much better understanding about wine in general.
The venue is a few minutes walk from the Louvre, and you will taste different wines, from different regions of France. Discover the difference between the wine produce of Champagne and beyond.
With a unique and refreshing approach, your sommelier will take you through a variety of themes to build up your wine knowledge. Hear about how Champagne is made and how to taste wine properly. Go through the main wine regions of France, the grapes they grow, and the style of wine they make. Learn how to read a French label, and clarify concepts like terroir and appellation.
All the wine will be available for sale, plus many more other varietals, too. Just ask your sommelier. And if you want to stay on for dinner and keep on trying more wines, the O Chateau’s brand new wine bar is ready and waiting, with delicious food and 40 wines to try by the glass every day.
Includes - 1 Champagne tasting
- 5 French wines (from 5 regions of France)
- Basket of bread
- Sommelier presentation
- Wine list
- Gratuities
Meeting point68 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau in the 1st arrondissement. Get off at the metro station Louvre-Rivoli (Line 1) or Etienne Marcel (Line 4). This point is a 6-minute walk away from the Louvre.
Likely to sell out
From US$ 73.56 per person
Customer reviews
Overall rating: 4.8/5 based on 298 reviews
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- Guide: 4.9/5
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Journeying through France's wine regions, Unraveling the taste of terroir and appellation
France, renowned as the epicenter of wine culture, boasts a rich tapestry of diverse wine regions. Embarking on a journey through these storied vineyards is an odyssey into the heart and soul of French viticulture. Each region carries its unique terroir, a complex interplay of soil, climate, and tradition that imparts distinctive flavors to the grapes. Moreover, the concept of "appellation d'origine contrôlée" (AOC) is a cornerstone of French wine classification, guaranteeing the provenance and quality of wines.
Bordeaux: Elegance in Diversity
Bordeaux, perhaps the most renowned of all French wine regions, is a study in diversity. Its expansive vineyards along the Garonne River yield an array of varietals, from the robust Cabernet Sauvignon to the velvety Merlot. The Left Bank, dominated by Cabernet, produces wines of structure and longevity, while the Right Bank leans towards Merlot, crafting softer, more approachable wines. The terroir of gravelly soils imparts a distinctive minerality to Bordeaux's reds.
Burgundy: Pinot Noir's Pinnacle
Burgundy, hallowed ground for Pinot Noir enthusiasts, is a patchwork of meticulously tended vineyards. The Côte d'Or, home to illustrious appellations like Gevrey-Chambertin and Chambolle-Musigny, is where Pinot Noir achieves its zenith. Here, the elusive concept of "climat" reigns supreme, denoting the unique combination of site and microclimate that shapes each wine. Burgundy's whites, primarily Chardonnay, are equally revered, offering a stunning contrast to the reds.
Champagne: Bubbles of Celebration
The mere mention of Champagne evokes festivity and celebration. This northern region's cool climate and chalky soils provide the ideal conditions for cultivating the triumvirate of Champagne grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. The meticulous méthode champenoise, involving a secondary fermentation in the bottle, creates those effervescent bubbles that dance on the palate. From the opulent cuvées to the more accessible non-vintage blends, Champagne offers a spectrum of tasting experiences.
Rhône Valley: Syrah and the Mediterranean Sun
The sun-drenched vineyards of the Rhône Valley bask in the warmth of the Mediterranean climate. Here, the noble Syrah grape reigns supreme, giving rise to the iconic wines of Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage. Further south, Grenache takes center stage in the robust blends of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The mistral winds that sweep through the valley play a vital role in tempering the vines and concentrating the flavors. The result is wines of depth, intensity, and a sun-kissed vibrancy.
Provence: Rosé Paradise
Provence, a land of lavender fields and azure skies, is synonymous with exquisite rosé wines. The combination of maritime influence and rocky soils imparts a refreshing crispness to the wines. From pale salmon hues to deeper coral tones, Provence rosés offer a spectrum of flavors, from delicate red berries to zesty citrus notes. These wines are the embodiment of Mediterranean joie de vivre.
FAQs
What is terroir?
Terroir refers to the unique environmental factors, including soil composition, climate, and tradition, that influence the character and flavor profile of grapes grown in a particular region.
What is appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC)?
AOC is a French certification system that guarantees the geographical origin and quality of wines. It sets strict standards for production methods, grape varieties, and yields, ensuring that wines reflect the distinctive characteristics of their respective regions.
Which region is known for Pinot Noir?
Burgundy, particularly the Côte d'Or, is celebrated as the pinnacle of Pinot Noir production, renowned for producing some of the world's most exquisite and sought-after expressions of this grape variety.
What makes Champagne unique?
Champagne is unique for its méthode champenoise, a labor-intensive process involving a secondary fermentation in the bottle. This creates the effervescence and distinctive bubbles that are characteristic of this celebrated sparkling wine.
What grape dominates Bordeaux's Right Bank?
Merlot is the dominant grape variety on Bordeaux's Right Bank, producing wines known for their approachability, plush textures, and ripe fruit flavors.
