Bordeaux: Wine Tasting with Dinner in a Private Apartment

If you’re dreaming of experiencing Bordeaux’s renowned wines without leaving Paris, this tour offers a uniquely intimate way to do so. Hosted in a charming private apartment in the 16th arrondissement, it’s a three-hour journey into the elegance and diversity of Bordeaux wines, paired with a homemade three-course dinner. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious about French wine regions, this experience combines education, delicious food, and a cozy atmosphere that’s hard to beat.

One of the standout features we love is the small group setting, limited to just eight participants, which ensures personalized attention from the professional sommelier. The focus on wines under 25 makes this experience accessible, offering high-quality Bordeaux bottles at an excellent price point. That said, a potential consideration for some guests is the location in a private apartment—not everyone prefers a non-touristy, residential setting, but it adds to the authentic, homey feel.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy relaxed, educational experiences that combine great wine, good food, and a touch of local Parisian charm. If you’re looking for a memorable evening that balances value with authenticity, this wine tasting might just hit the spot.

Key Points

Intimate setting: Hosted in a private Parisian apartment, offering a cozy, personalized vibe.
Excellent value: Includes five Bordeaux wines under 25, paired with a homemade 3-course dinner for just $117.
Educational focus: Learn about Bordeaux’s 60 appellations and their terroirs from a professional sommelier.
Authentic experience: Small group size enhances interaction and attentiveness.
Convenient location: Easy access from Ranelagh Metro station in the 16th arrondissement.
Dietary considerations: Not suitable for certain dietary restrictions, including vegans, vegetarians, and those with allergies.

A Deep Dive into the Bordeaux Tasting Experience

The Venue: A Parisian Private Apartment

The experience takes place in a private apartment on the 3rd floor of a classic mansion in the 16th arrondissement, accessible easily via elevator. Guests are given access codes after booking, ensuring a seamless arrival. The setting is far from touristy wine bars—think elegant, quiet, and personal. The host describes it as a “cozy, intimate space” that fosters relaxed conversation and focused tastings.

Visitors often mention the apartment’s charm, noting how it feels like a home rather than a commercial venue. Its location in one of Paris’s most upscale neighborhoods adds to the sense of exclusivity.

The Wines: Five Bordeaux Bottles Under 25

The core of this experience is tasting five Bordeaux wines, each selected for their quality and value. These wines are carefully chosen to highlight the diversity of Bordeaux’s wine regions and appellations.

Guests can expect a range of profiles, from lighter, more approachable reds to richer, more complex bottles. The sommelier explains the unique terroirs—the combination of soil, climate, and grape varieties—that influence each wine’s character. This means you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of what makes Bordeaux wines so different from other French wines.

Reviews reveal that the wines “are all high quality and showcase the region’s diversity.” Many appreciated the value for money, as wines under 25 dollars are often overlooked but can be surprisingly enjoyable and well-crafted.

The Dinner: Homemade Three-Course Meal

Accompanying the wines is a homemade three-course dinner. The dishes are described as delicious and thoughtfully paired with each wine, enhancing the tasting experience. Guests often mention the “delicious food and tapas-style bites,” which help balance the wines’ tannins and acidity.

While the menu isn’t specified in detail, the focus on homemade, quality dishes contributes to the authenticity of the experience. This isn’t a fancy restaurant meal but rather a comforting, well-prepared dinner in a welcoming setting.

The Guided Tasting: Education and Interaction

Led by a professional sommelier, the tasting is both educational and engaging. Reviewers mention the host’s approachable style and clear explanations, which enhance understanding without feeling intimidating. The sommelier discusses Bordeaux’s 60 appellations and regional nuances, turning a simple tasting into a mini-lesson on French wines.

Participants have praised the host for her knowledge and friendliness, saying she makes complex concepts accessible and fun. The small group size facilitates interaction, allowing guests to ask questions and share their impressions.

Timing and Group Size

The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, a perfect length for an evening activity. The small group limit (up to 8 participants) fosters an intimate environment, making it easier for everyone to participate actively and get personalized attention.

Practical Details & Accessibility

• Price: At $117 per person, the experience offers excellent value for the quality of wines, food, and personalized guidance.
• Location: Very accessible from Ranelagh Metro station (~5 minutes walk), in a quiet, affluent neighborhood.
• Inclusions: All five wines, homemade dinner, and expert guidance.
• Not Included: Transportation to the venue and any extra drinks outside the tasting.

Guests need to plan for their own transportation, but the venue’s proximity to public transit makes it straightforward.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This wine tasting is ideal for those wanting a relaxed, educational evening without the touristy crowd. It’s perfect if you love authentic, homey settings, and value good wine at reasonable prices. It suits travelers interested in learning about Bordeaux’s terroirs and appellations, especially if you’re curious about wine regions beyond France’s more famous spots.

However, it’s not suitable for those with dietary restrictions like vegan or gluten-free diets, or for children and pregnant women. The focus on Bordeaux wines and the private apartment setting makes it more of a niche experience for adult wine lovers or couples seeking a cozy night out.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Bordeaux wine tasting with dinner in a private Parisian apartment offers a charming blend of education, delicious food, and intimate atmosphere—all at an attractive price point. It’s a fantastic choice for wine enthusiasts eager to explore Bordeaux’s diversity without traveling to the region, especially if you enjoy a relaxed, homey setting.

Travelers looking for a small, guided experience that combines authenticity with value will find this tour appealing. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate good food and wine, and want to deepen their understanding of Bordeaux’s unique terroirs.

Overall, if you’re after a personalized, enriching wine experience in Paris that feels more like visiting a friend’s home than a commercial tasting room, this tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
You’ll enjoy tasting five Bordeaux wines under 25, a homemade three-course dinner, and guidance from a professional sommelier over the course of three hours.

Where does the experience take place?
In a private apartment on the 3rd floor of a mansion in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, accessible via elevator.

How do I get there?
It’s about a 5-minute walk from Ranelagh Metro Station (Line 9), making it very easy to reach with public transit.

Is the experience suitable for large groups?
No, it’s limited to small groups of up to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
The experience is not suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or those with food allergies or gluten intolerance.

What is the price per person?
$117, which covers the wines, dinner, and guided instruction—considered great value given the quality and intimacy.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

This tour offers a lovely, authentic way to indulge in Bordeaux wines while enjoying the comforts of a Parisian home. Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned connoisseur, the combination of quality wines, homemade food, and expert guidance makes this a memorable evening worth considering.