Pairings between French wines and cheeses, including champagne

Exploring the Flavors of France: A Deep Dive into the French Wine and Cheese Pairing Tour

Imagine strolling into a cozy Parisian wine bar, the air filled with the aroma of vinous delights, and engaging in a relaxed yet informative session about French wines and cheeses. That’s exactly what this Pairings between French wines and cheeses, including Champagne tour offers. With an expert guide—Simon, the owner of the wine bar—you’ll get to taste four wines (two whites, two reds), a glass of Champagne, and a variety of cheeses, all while learning about the nuances of French viticulture and dairy traditions. The tour is compact, just about 2 hours, but packed with insights, flavor, and fun.

One of the standout features we love is how Simon combines tasting with storytelling—offering not only what to drink and eat but also sharing the geography, history, and culture behind each sip and nibble. Plus, the unique element of comparing wine aromas to perfume samples helps sharpen your senses—making the experience both educational and memorable.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is that this tour isn’t suited for minors under 18 or those with lactose intolerance, so it’s best suited for adults who appreciate good wine and cheese. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a relaxed, intimate activity that combines culinary exploration with learning, and those eager to pick up tips to enhance their own wine-pairing skills back home.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Led by a passionate Parisian wine bar owner, Simon, who shares deep knowledge and stories.
• Educational & Fun: Combines tasting with wine geography, history, and sensory exercises like perfume comparisons.
• Taste Variety: Enjoy 2 white wines, 2 reds, and a Champagne, each paired with different cheeses for a balanced experience.
• Small & Intimate: Limited to your private group, ensuring personalized attention and relaxed conversations.
• Value for Money: For around $71, you get a curated, multi-sensory experience that blends education and indulgence.
• Convenient: Located near public transportation, making it easy to include in your Paris itinerary.

A Closer Look at the French Wine & Cheese Pairing Experience

The Starting Point: A Warm Welcome at 33 Rue de Crussol

Your journey begins at a charming Parisian wine bar on Rue de Crussol. Simon greets you warmly, setting the tone for a friendly, engaging session. From the outset, you get a quick overview of what’s to come, including an outline of the day’s focus—French wine regions, tasting techniques, and pairing strategies. It’s clear from the start that Simon’s goal is to make wine appreciation accessible and fun.

Learning the Basics of French Wine Tasting

Simon’s approach is approachable yet thorough. You’ll learn how to examine the wine’s color, which can reveal clues about its age and type. Then, he guides you through the smelling process—exercise your nose with perfume samples, which help distinguish subtle aromatic differences. This part of the experience has been praised by previous participants; Jeff_T commented, “His depth of knowledge and passion for wine, cheese, history, and politics was both informative and entertaining.”

The Geographical and Cultural Context

What makes this experience stand out is Simon’s storytelling. You’ll learn about how climate, grape variety, and regional location influence taste. For example, you might discover that wines from Champagne have a distinct bready, yeasty aroma linked to the traditional secondary fermentation process. As Simon explains, understanding these factors helps you appreciate why certain wines taste the way they do, and which dishes they pair best with.

Tasting and Pairing Logic

Throughout the session, each wine is paired with a different cheese. This deliberate pairing allows you to explore how contrasting or complementary flavors enhance each other. The guide emphasizes how to choose wines that can elevate your dining experience across Paris and beyond. Expect to learn simple tips to identify which wines go with seafood, cheese, or even desserts—valuable knowledge whether you’re a casual drinker or an aspiring connoisseur.

Sensory Exercise: Smelling with Perfume Samples

One of the most memorable techniques introduced is the use of perfume samples to develop your olfactory senses. This exercise boosts your ability to identify subtle aromas in wines and cheeses—skills that can transform your tasting experience and make wine-drinking more nuanced.

The Wines and Cheeses: A Tasty Journey

The tour concludes with a small tasting of four wines—two whites, two reds—plus Champagne. Each is carefully selected for its regional significance and flavor profile. You’ll taste different cheeses with each wine, experiencing how acidity, sweetness, body, and aroma interact. Many reviewers, including Jeff, noted how Simon’s explanations made the wines and cheeses come alive, giving them a new appreciation for pairings they might never have considered.

Concluding the Experience: Picking Your Favorite

By the end, you’ll feel equipped to identify your preferred wine style—and hopefully, you’ll be inspired to seek out French wines and cheeses on your own. Simon’s engaging style and expert insights mean you leave with both knowledge and confidence.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Duration and Group Size

This is a 2-hour experience, perfect for a quick yet enriching activity. Since it’s a private tour, only your group will participate, which allows for personalized attention and the chance to ask lots of questions.

Pricing and Value

At $71.24 per person, the tour offers good value. You get a curated tasting experience, guided by a local expert, with a focus on learning and enjoyment. Compared to other Paris activities, it’s a relatively affordable way to indulge your senses and learn something useful.

Location and Accessibility

Starting at 33 Rue de Crussol, the experience is near public transportation, making it easy to incorporate into your day. The meeting point’s central location in Paris means you can easily continue exploring after the tour.

Booking and Cancellation

You’ll want to book about a week in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak travel seasons. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before, providing some flexibility if your plans change.

Restrictions

Minors under 18 are prohibited, and the tour is not suitable for those with lactose intolerance. It’s designed for adults who appreciate wine and cheese and want to expand their knowledge in a relaxed setting.

What The Reviews Say

The single available review is glowing, with a perfect 5-star rating. Jeff_T highlighted Simon’s passion and depth of knowledge, calling the experience both informative and entertaining. His comment about looking forward to bringing his family back suggests the tour’s appeal spans generations, especially for those eager to deepen their understanding of French wine and cheese.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits adults who enjoy wine and cheese, are curious about French traditions, or want a fun, intimate activity that’s different from the usual sightseeing. It’s especially good for those wanting to enhance their palate and tasting skills, or anyone interested in learning about wine geography and history in an accessible way. Those new to wine tasting will find it especially approachable, while seasoned enthusiasts might pick up some new tricks.

On the flip side, if you’re after a long, in-depth wine tour or are traveling with minors, this shorter, more focused experience might not be ideal. Still, if you’re seeking a bite-sized, authentic taste of Parisian wine culture, you’ll likely come away with new knowledge—and a few new favorites.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a delicious, educational, and engaging activity to add to your Paris trip, this wine and cheese pairing tour is a fantastic choice. It balances guided expertise with hands-on tasting, making complex topics like wine regions and aromas simple and fun. The inclusion of Champagne adds a celebratory touch, perfect for marking a special occasion or simply indulging in Parisian luxury.

The small-group setting allows for genuine conversations and tailored insights, making this a memorable experience whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious beginner. The value for money, combined with the authentic storytelling of Simon, means you’ll leave not just with a full belly but with a deeper appreciation for France’s world-famous culinary traditions.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for complete beginners?
Absolutely. Simon’s explanations are accessible, and the focus is on learning and enjoyment rather than technical mastery. It’s perfect for those new to wine and cheese.

How many wines are tasted during the session?
You’ll sample a total of five glasses—two whites, two reds, and one Champagne—each paired with different cheeses for a well-rounded tasting.

Can I participate if I’m not very familiar with wines?
Yes, the tour is designed to be educational and approachable. The perfume exercise also helps develop your smelling skills, making it fun for all levels.

Is the tour private?
Yes, it’s a private experience, meaning only your group will participate, which allows for more personalized attention and flexibility.

Where is the meeting point?
The activity starts at 33 Rue de Crussol in Paris, near public transportation, so it’s easy to find and include in your day’s plans.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, minors under 18 are not allowed, and it’s not recommended for people with lactose intolerance.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind if your plans change.

This tour offers a delightful way to deepen your understanding and appreciation of French wines and cheeses while enjoying a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. Whether you’re a serious oenophile or simply looking to add a flavorful experience to your Paris visit, this tasting promises to be both educational and delicious.