Introductory workshop on wine tasting and wine and canelé pairing

If you’re visiting Bordeaux and looking for a way to deepen your appreciation for wine—without the overwhelming vineyard tours or fancy tasting rooms—this workshop might be just what you need. It’s designed for those who want to understand the basics of wine tasting from a scientific perspective, all in a cozy setting with the added fun of pairing it with Bordeaux’s iconic dessert, the canelé.

What makes this experience stand out? First, we love the approachability—it’s relaxed but informative, perfect if you’re not a seasoned wine connoisseur. Second, the inclusion of canelé tastings adds a delightful local twist that makes the session memorable. That said, a potential drawback is the small group size, which can be great for personalized attention but may feel crowded during busy times.

This workshop is ideal for curious travelers who enjoy food and drink, especially if you’re keen on learning the science behind wine aromas. It’s not tailored for children or pregnant women, but for adult wine enthusiasts looking for a fun, educational break in Bordeaux, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Educational and approachable: Perfect for beginners wanting to understand wine tasting fundamentals.
• Small, intimate group: Limited to 8 participants, which means more personalized attention.
• Multilingual instructors: The session is offered in English, French, Spanish, and Italian.
• Includes tasting of both red and sweet wines: Complemented by canelé with vegan and alcohol-free options.
• Learn the science: Focus on olfactory memory, aroma families, and tasting techniques.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reserve without immediate payment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Experience

If you’re new to wine or even just looking to boost your confidence in tasting and describing what you’re drinking, this workshop offers a practical starting point. Held inside a cozy cassonade patisserie on rue du Pas-Saint-Georges, the ambiance is friendly and relaxed. You won’t find intimidating wine snobbery here. Instead, a doctor of oenology guides you through the basics of visual, olfactory, and mouth analysis, breaking down how your nose and senses work together to identify aromas—something many wine novices find surprisingly insightful.

The science-focused approach sets this experience apart. You’ll learn not just to taste but to understand what’s happening in your glass. The guide explains how the nose works and olfactory memory, making the tasting more meaningful. As one reviewer noted, “The instructor was knowledgeable but also very approachable,” which makes all the difference when trying to absorb new info.

The highlight for many is the pairing with canelé, Bordeaux’s tiny, tender cake with a caramelized crust and soft interior. The connection between wine and canelé isn’t just about flavor; it’s about culture and tradition. You’ll taste a red wine and a sweet wine, with options for vegan or rum-free canelé. The inclusion of different canelé versions is a thoughtful touch, catering to dietary preferences.

During the session, you’ll discover the main families of aromas—think fruity, floral, spicy—and how they relate to what you smell in wine. This foundational knowledge boosts your confidence to talk about wine beyond just “good” or “bad.” The session ends with a Q&A, allowing you to clarify doubts or explore other topics.

What’s Included?

• Two wines: one red, one sweet
• Canéle in various styles
• Guidance from a friendly scientist
• A relaxed, indoor setting

What’s not included? Just other pastries or additional drinks, so if you’re craving more, you might want to plan to buy some coffee afterward.

Duration and Logistics

The workshop lasts about one hour, making it manageable even if you have a busy schedule. It’s designed for small groups, up to eight people, so expect a more intimate experience. The location inside the café means you’re in a cozy environment—no need to worry about large crowds or rushed sessions. The session is available in multiple languages, which is a real plus for international visitors.

Pricing and Value

At $116 for a group of two, the price is reasonable considering the personalized attention and the inclusion of wines and canelé. For wine enthusiasts eager to learn the science of tasting in a relaxed setting, it’s a good value. Plus, since you can reserve now and pay later, it offers flexibility for your trip planning.

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Breaking Down the Experience

The Setting: A Charming Patisserie

The workshop’s location inside a local patisserie provides a warm, inviting atmosphere. You’re surrounded by the scent of freshly baked canelé, which sets the scene perfectly. The setting isn’t fancy; instead, it feels like visiting a friend’s cozy kitchen, which is exactly what makes it special.

The Instructor: Scientific but Friendly

Having a doctor of oenology leading the session brings credibility and depth. But the instructor also keeps things approachable, making complex topics easy to grasp. The use of multiple languages ensures that language barriers are minimal, and everyone can follow along comfortably.

The Learning Experience

You’ll start with understanding how the nose works and olfactory memory. This is crucial because many people don’t realize how much their sense of smell influences taste. The instructor explains aroma families—fruity, floral, spicy—and how to identify them in wine.

Next, the focus shifts to visual, olfactory, and mouth analysis, which trains your senses to pick up subtle differences. This isn’t about memorizing a list of aromas but about enhancing your awareness of what’s in your glass.

The Tasting: Wines and Canelé

The wines are chosen to showcase main aroma families—though specific varieties aren’t specified, you can expect a typical red and sweet wine from Bordeaux. The canelé options are thoughtful, with vegan and rum-free versions catering to dietary needs.

The pairing is designed to highlight the harmony between wine and dessert, showing how flavor profiles can complement each other. Many reviews mention that the tastings are well-paced, allowing you to savor each sip and bite.

The Final Q&A

As the session wraps up with a Q&A, you can ask anything about wine tasting, aromas, or Bordeaux’s wine culture. Past participants appreciated this part, noting how it deepened their understanding.

Who Is This For?

This workshop is ideal for beginners or anyone who finds wine tasting intimidating. If you’re visiting Bordeaux and want a relaxed, educational experience that demystifies wine, this fits the bill. It also suits those interested in local culinary traditions, given the inclusion of canelé.

However, it’s not suited for children, pregnant women, or anyone under 18, as alcohol consumption is involved. If you’re a seasoned wine lover looking for an in-depth tour, this might feel a bit limited, but for most visitors seeking a taste of Bordeaux’s approachable side, it’s just right.

Final Thoughts

This workshop offers more than just tasting wine; it’s an opportunity to understand your senses and connect more deeply with Bordeaux’s wine and culinary culture. The small-group format ensures a personalized experience, and the scientific approach makes it particularly educational.

It’s a perfect choice if you want a relaxing, friendly introduction to wine that won’t overwhelm you. The addition of canelé makes this a uniquely Bordeaux experience—delightful, flavorful, and culturally rich.

While not a comprehensive vineyard tour, it’s a great starting point for travelers who prefer learning in a cozy setting over large, commercial tasting rooms. The price is fair, especially considering the inclusion of wines and desserts, and the flexible booking makes planning straightforward.

If you’re curious about the basics of wine tasting and want to enjoy a taste of Bordeaux’s sweet side, this workshop could be a highlight of your trip.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, the workshop is designed to teach the basics of wine tasting and is very approachable, even for those with little or no prior knowledge.

Can I participate if I don’t speak English or French?
Absolutely. The session is offered in multiple languages—English, French, Spanish, and Italian—so language barriers are minimized.

Are vegan or alcohol-free options available?
Yes, the canelé options include vegan and rum-free versions to accommodate dietary preferences.

How long does the workshop last?
It takes about one hour, making it easy to fit into a busy sightseeing schedule.

What wines will I taste?
You’ll sample one red wine and one sweet wine, both Bordeaux styles, with the focus on aroma recognition and tasting techniques.

Is the workshop accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the workshop is held inside a cafe, and the location is wheelchair accessible.

Looking for something that combines learning, local flavors, and a relaxed vibe? This Bordeaux wine and canelé pairing workshop might just be your perfect little escape.

You can check availability for your dates here: