Paris: 5 wines / 1 sommelier / aperitif platters: Drink and Learn workshop

This wine tasting experience in Paris offers a relaxed yet educational peek into the city’s vibrant wine culture. Held in an intimate urban cellar just steps from Canal Saint Martin, this workshop promises a chance to explore a variety of wines, deepen your tasting skills, and enjoy carefully curated artisan platters—all guided by a professional sommelier who speaks both French and English.

What drew us to this experience? First, the opportunity to sample five distinct wines — including whites, reds, sparkling wines, and a blind tasting — with a chance to pour directly from barrels. Second, the knowledgeable guidance of a sommelier, who makes complex tasting techniques simple and fun. Third, the well-chosen antipasti featuring quality cheeses, cold cuts, and vegetarian options that perfectly complement the wines.

One consideration is the group size and timing, as the workshop is subject to a minimum of four participants for guaranteed operation, which could impact last-minute plans. Still, for those who love wine, authentic local settings, and engaging tastings, this tour offers a well-rounded experience suited for enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

If you’re keen on discovering Paris’s wine scene in a relaxed, educational setting, this experience is a smart choice—especially if you enjoy tasting wines with a side of insider knowledge.

Good To Know

• Authentic Parisian vibe: Small cellar near Canal Saint Martin, away from tourist traps.
• Wide wine variety: Includes whites, reds, sparkling wines, and one blind tasting.
• Expert guidance: Led by a bilingual sommelier who simplifies wine tasting.
• Tasting from the barrel: An exclusive chance to pour wine directly from nine barrels.
• Quality antipasti: Artisan, nitrite-free platters with cheeses, cold cuts, and vegetarian options.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance and pay later for easy planning.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Location and Atmosphere

Vini la Cave is situated in Paris’s 10th arrondissement, at 49 Rue du Faubourg du Temple, conveniently close to Goncourt metro station (Line 11) and a short walk from République (Lines 3, 5, 8, 9, 11). The cellar exudes a cozy, authentic vibe with its century-old table and exposed stone walls, creating an intimate setting perfect for wine exploration. As one reviewer noted, the ambiance is lively and friendly, with a good sense of humor from the guide, Maxime, who makes the session both educational and fun.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Arrival and Introduction: You start at 8:00 p.m., where the sommelier welcomes you and explains the plan for the evening. After a quick introduction to basic tasting techniques, the group is invited to pour the first wine directly from barrels, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into wine production.

Tasting the Wines: The core of the experience involves sampling five wines from independent winemakers. These include a mixture of whites, reds, and sparkling options, giving a comprehensive taste of Parisian and French varietals. The blind tasting adds a playful element, challenging your senses — as one reviewer commented, “What color is your wine? Not so easy…” — and sharpening your palate.

Food Pairings: Following the initial tastings, you’re guided to the heart of the cellar, where a century-old table holds artisan aperitif platters. These include cheeses, cold cuts, vegetarian options, country bread, breadsticks, and SuperBon chips, which complement the wines beautifully. This part of the session is not just about tasting but about appreciating how food and wine work together.

Bubbles and Reflection: The experience ends with a sparkling wine toast, ideal for celebrating or simply relaxing after the tasting. The guide encourages participants to breathe new life into their wine experience, emphasizing that good wines need time to breathe and unfold their flavors.

The Wines and Tasting Notes

The workshop features wines from independent winemakers, which often means more personality and unique stories behind each bottle. The inclusion of a wine drawn directly from a barrel elevates the experience, giving you a sense of the craftsmanship involved.

While the actual wine varieties aren’t specified, the mix likely offers a well-rounded taste of France’s diverse wine regions. The sparkling wines and reds provide variety, while the blind tasting keeps you engaged and attentive to your other senses—smell, touch, and sight, as well as taste.

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The Guided Element: Why It Matters

The presence of a professional sommelier ensures that even beginners can follow along and learn. From explaining wine aromas to the importance of pouring techniques, the guide makes the experience accessible and educational without feeling intimidating. The bilingual aspect means non-French speakers can fully participate and ask questions comfortably.

The Overall Value

At $53 per person for a two-hour session, this experience offers excellent value. Key points include:

• The opportunity to taste five different wines plus a barrel pour.
• Quality artisanal food pairings, which enhance the tasting.
• Expert guidance that adds learning value.
• The chance to purchase wines directly from the boutique to enjoy later.

This isn’t just a tasting — it’s a mini wine course that gives you practical skills and a deeper appreciation for what’s in your glass.

The Review from Guests

The sole review available is glowing: “Super dégustation réalisée dans la bonne humeur et avec lil éclairé de Maxime! Un super moment à refaire très prochainement! Une super adresse vous ne serez pas déçu!” (A fun tasting session in good spirits, guided by Maxime, which I’d happily do again.) It highlights the lively atmosphere and the quality of guidance, making clear this experience leaves a positive impression.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This workshop is ideal for travelers looking to expand their wine knowledge without the fuss of a large tour or formal tasting room. It’s perfect for foodies, casual wine lovers, or those curious about French wines. The small-group setting fosters interaction, making it a good choice for couples, friends, or solo travelers wanting a social, engaging experience.

If you prefer larger, more commercial tastings or are traveling with children or pregnant companions, this might not be the best fit. The experience is also not suitable for children under 18, so plan accordingly.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, the sommelier explains the basics of wine tasting, making it perfect for those new to wine or looking to improve their skills.

Can I buy the wines tasted during the workshop?
Absolutely. All wines and products are available for purchase at the boutique, allowing you to take some Parisian vinos home.

How many people are in the group?
While the exact group size isn’t specified, the workshop is designed for small groups, creating an intimate atmosphere. The experience is subject to a minimum of four participants.

Is there a vegetarian option for the platters?
Yes, vegetarian options are available alongside cold cuts and cheeses, accommodating different dietary preferences.

What is the duration of the event?
The workshop lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a nice, manageable evening activity.

Where does the tasting take place?
At “Vini la Cave,” a traditional wine merchant’s cellar in the 10th arrondissement of Paris.

Is the experience available in English?
Yes, the sommelier speaks both French and English, ensuring clear, friendly guidance for international visitors.

The Parisian wine workshop at Vini la Cave offers an inviting, well-organized way to get a taste of local wine craftsmanship while learning how to better enjoy your wines. The combination of barrel pours, expert guidance, and artisan platters makes it more than just a tasting — it’s an immersive mini-course in French wine culture.

It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate small, authentic experiences and are eager to improve their wine knowledge in a relaxed setting. The price point seems well-balanced considering the quality of wines, food, and personal attention from the sommelier.

If you’re in Paris and want to elevate your understanding of French wine, this workshop is a charming, educational choice that will leave you with new favorites and a few tips to impress at your next dinner party.

Note: Always check availability, as workshops may be canceled if fewer than four participants sign up. Reserve in advance and consider the cancellation policy to keep your plans flexible.

You can check if your dates are available here: