Paris Wine Tasting Course: 5 Wines / 1 Sommelier / Aperitif Boards

Exploring the Paris Wine Tasting Course: A Friendly Look at What It Offers

If you’re browsing for a relaxed yet insightful way to enjoy Parisian evenings, the Paris Wine Tasting Course at Canons Canons might just fit the bill. This two-hour experience, led by a professional sommelier, promises a chance to taste 5 different wines while learning a bit about what makes each one special, all in an authentic, intimate setting close to Canal Saint Martin.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how approachable it seems — not just for seasoned wine lovers but also for those who want to dip their toes into the world of wine tasting without feeling overwhelmed. The expert guidance from a sommelier who speaks both French and English makes all the difference, helping make wine tastings less intimidating and more fun. Plus, the high-quality aperitif platters, featuring artisan and nitrite-free products, add a tasty layer to the experience.

That said, the experience isn’t for everyone. It lasts just two hours, which is perfect if you’re after a quick taste of Paris’s wine scene, but might feel a bit rushed if you’re looking to really linger and savor each sip. Also, it’s worth noting that this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or children under 18, which makes sense given the alcohol focus.

This experience looks ideal for adults wanting a friendly, educational evening with good wine and good company — whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends. If that sounds like you, keep reading, because we’ll break down what makes this tour stand out, along with some honest notes on what you can expect along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic setting: Tucked into a cozy urban wine cellar near Canal Saint Martin.
• Expert guidance: Led by a knowledgeable sommelier fluent in French and English.
• Variety of wines: Tastes include whites, sparkling, reds, and a blind tasting, providing a well-rounded experience.
• Quality snacks: Aperitif boards with artisan, nitrite-free products complement the wines.
• Interactive experience: Pour from barrels, learn tasting techniques, and challenge your senses with blind tastings.
• Convenient location: Close to Goncourt metro and easily accessible from central Paris.

What to Expect from the Paris Wine Tasting Course

The experience begins at 8 pm in Canons Canons, located just a few minutes from Goncourt Metro station in the 10th arrondissement. The venue itself is an inviting, authentic wine cellar that feels more like visiting a friend’s cozy wine bar than a tourist trap. From the first moment, you’ll notice the warm, welcoming atmosphere that sets the tone for the evening.

The First Sip: From Barrel to Glass

After gathering comfortably around the centenarian table, your host, the sommelier, invites you to sample the first wine directly from one of nine barrels. This part is particularly memorable — pouring straight from the barrel gives you a real sense of connection to the wine. We loved how this initial tasting sets a relaxed, interactive tone, making you feel like you’re part of something special.

Learning the Ropes of Wine Tasting

Next, the guide walks you through the basics of tasting wine — how to evaluate aroma, flavor, and texture. This isn’t a lecture but more of a friendly chat that demystifies wine tasting, making it accessible. From reading labels to understanding wine varieties, you’ll walk away with practical knowledge you can use at future tastings or even wine shopping.

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Aperitif Boards: The Perfect Pairing

Now, it’s time for a break with artisan aperitif boards. These are thoughtfully curated with high-quality, nitrite-free products, and complement the wines beautifully. The boards are generous enough to share, and many reviews mention how delicious and well-curated they are. It’s the kind of snack that enhances the tasting without overwhelming your palate.

The Blind Tasting Challenge

One of the notable highlights is the blind tasting, where you try to identify the color and type of wine without seeing it. This playful challenge sharpens your senses and makes the whole experience more engaging. As one reviewer put it, “It’s not that easy… so it’s a good way to test your perception and learn.”

Bubbles to Brighten the Evening

To finish, you’ll enjoy sparkling wines, which help lift your spirits and give the evening a celebratory feel. The guide might also recommend wines you can buy at the boutique afterward, so you can continue your wine journey at home.

The Wines and Food: What’s on Offer?

The wines are selected with care, representing different styles and regions, giving you a taste of French wine diversity. Whether you prefer crisp whites, bubbly sparklers, or robust reds, there’s something here to suit different palates. The fact that you can buy the wines afterward at room temperature means you can keep the good vibes going once you leave.

The aperitif platters are also a highlight. Many reviews praise the quality and flavor of the snacks, which are artisan and free from artificial additives. Because the experience is hosted in a cellar setting, the food and wine pairing feels authentic and thoughtfully curated.

Practical Details: Price, Group Size, and Flexibility

At a typical duration of two hours, this experience is well-paced. The cost, which isn’t specified here but should be considered in the context of tasting five wines and gourmet food, offers good value especially given the personalized guidance. The group size tends to be small, fostering an intimate environment where questions are encouraged.

If your plans change, the booking policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind. The experience is conducted in both French and English, making it accessible to international visitors.

What Do the Reviews Say?

People consistently rave about the knowledgeable guides and the friendly atmosphere. One guest from France called it an “activitée intimiste” and appreciated the passion and clarity of Maxime, the sommelier. Another from Norway noted how Maxime’s explanations made everything understandable and enjoyable, while travelers from the UK and France loved the “great selection of wines” and the “personal” touch.

Several reviewers emphasized how much they learned — from tasting techniques to pairing tips — and felt the experience was both fun and educational. Almost everyone mentioned how delicious the aperitif boards were and how they enjoyed the relaxed, convivial vibe.

The Bottom Line: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This wine tasting is perfect for adults who enjoy discovering new flavors without fuss. It appeals equally to solo travelers, couples, or small groups of friends looking for a laid-back yet informative evening. If you’re curious about wine but don’t want to get bogged down in technical jargon, this tour offers a friendly, approachable environment. Since it doesn’t cater to children or pregnant women, it’s clearly an adult-only activity.

Travelers who value quality guidance, good food, and a cozy setting will find this experience particularly satisfying. It’s a great way to spend an evening in Paris, mingling with other wine enthusiasts and leaving with both new knowledge and some bottles to take home.

FAQs about the Paris Wine Tasting Course

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guide explains the basics of wine tasting in a simple, friendly way, so you don’t need any prior knowledge.

How long does the tour last?
It’s just about 2 hours, making it a manageable and enjoyable evening activity.

Can I buy the wines tasted during the session?
Yes, all the wines you taste are available for purchase at room temperature at the boutique, so you can continue the experience at home.

Is this experience suitable for non-native French speakers?
Yes, the tour is conducted in both French and English, so language shouldn’t be a barrier.

Are there any dietary restrictions to consider?
The aperitif boards feature artisan, nitrite-free products, but if you have specific dietary concerns, it’s best to inquire directly.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility.

Is this activity family-friendly?
No, it’s designed for adults only, due to the alcohol content and age restrictions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in Paris and eager to explore the city’s wine scene without the pretension, this Wine Tasting Course at Canons Canons offers a genuine, engaging experience. The combination of expert guidance, a cozy cellar atmosphere, and delicious snacks makes it a memorable way to spend an evening. Whether you’re a novice wanting to learn or a wine lover wanting to refine your palate, you’ll likely find this experience both fun and rewarding. Just remember, it’s adult-focused, so plan accordingly!

For those who value quality, intimacy, and a chance to taste a variety of good wines, this could easily become one of your favorite Parisian memories. Cheers!

You can check availability for your dates here: