Paris Wine with Cheese Pairing & Tasting Small Group Class

Exploring Paris Through Wine and Cheese: A Review of the Small-Group Tasting Class

If you’re visiting Paris and want to truly get a taste of French culinary culture, a wine and cheese pairing class might just be your best bet. While it’s not the kind of tour that takes you sightseeing around monuments, it offers a different kind of immersion—one that’s flavorful, fun, and surprisingly educational. We’ve come across this experience in the form of a 2-hour small-group class led by a seasoned sommelier, and honestly, it sounds like a delightful way to spend part of your trip.

What we love about this experience is how it combines tasting with learning. You get to sample four different wines from across France plus Champagne, all while gaining insider knowledge about cheese and the art of pairing. And because it’s a small group—capped at 16 participants—you get plenty of personal attention from your host, making the experience both intimate and engaging.

Of course, a potential downside is the price—at around $113.49 per person, it’s an investment. But considering the quality of instruction, tastings, and the fun factor, many might find this worth every penny. It’s especially suited for those who love food, wine, or want to deepen their appreciation of French specialties in a relaxed setting.

If you’re a curious traveler who enjoys hands-on experiences, loves discovering local flavors, and prefers a laid-back yet informative environment, this class will probably hit the mark. It’s not just about drinking wine; it’s about understanding what makes French wine and cheese unique, and how to pair them like a pro.

Key Points

• Educational and Entertaining: Combines wine and cheese tasting with expert insights.
• Small Group Setting: Ensures personal attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Diverse Flavors: Tastes include four wines from different regions and Champagne.
• Authentic French Experience: Learn about “terroir” and regional specialties.
• Tasty Pairings: Includes cheese from the five major French cheese families, plus bread, ham, and olives.
• Hands-On Skills: Learn to sabre Champagne and taste with confidence.

A Deep Dive Into What You Can Expect

Meeting Your Guide in Central Paris

The experience begins at Le Foodist, located at 59 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, right in the heart of Paris. It’s conveniently near public transportation, making it easy to find without fuss. Your host is an experienced sommelier who’s there to walk you through each step—no intimidating wine jargon, just friendly instruction that makes learning fun.

The Tasting Itinerary

The class typically starts around 12:00 pm and lasts approximately 2 hours. As you settle in, your host will introduce you to the concept of terroir, which is essentially how geography, soil, climate, and tradition influence the flavors of wine and cheese. This foundational idea helps explain why certain flavors are so distinct across different regions in France.

You’ll begin by sampling four wines, carefully selected from various regions. This might include reds, whites, and possibly rosés, giving you a well-rounded view of French wine types. Plus, there’s a Champagne—because what’s France without a little bubbles? The wines are tasted alongside cheeses from the five main families, each offering its own flavor profile and story.

Learning to Taste Like a Professional

The instructor is great at making the art of tasting approachable. You’ll learn how to recognize complex aromas and flavors, and how to balance these with different foods. After tasting the cheeses—probably including classics like Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, and others—you’ll understand what makes each cheese special, where it’s from, and how it pairs with wine.

A highlight for many is the opportunity to master the art of sabering a Champagne bottle. It’s a fun, interactive moment that many reviews mention fondly—your guide demonstrates how to open a Champagne with a sword, then you get to share a glass with your new friends. It’s a small detail, but it adds a memorable touch to the class.

Pairing and Snacking

To complement the wines and cheeses, you’ll enjoy a selection of bread, olives, ham, and other nibbles. These help illustrate how different textures and flavors can enhance your tasting experience, and give you ideas for your own pairings back home. The food isn’t just filler; it’s part of the lesson in flavor balancing.

Final Touches and Tools

At the end of the session, you’ll receive a Drop-Stop device—a handy tool for perfect pours—and some tips on how to serve wine at home. The class ends back at the starting point, leaving you with new knowledge, good memories, and probably a few new favorites.

What Travelers Say About This Class

The reviews are unanimous in praising the knowledgeable and humorous guide, Stéphane. One reviewer mentions, “We tasted, we learned, and we laughed a lot”—which perfectly captures the friendly, engaging vibe. Multiple reviewers describe it as “an education and entertainment in one sitting,” and highlight the delicious wines, cheeses, and snacks.

A recurring theme is how approachable and fun the class is—even for first-timers. One reviewer noted, “Stephane was charming and humorous while teaching us wine and cheese pairings.” Others mention how much they learned, from how to open Champagne with a sword to understanding the different cheese families.

Several reviewers emphasize the quality of the wines and cheeses, noting that the selection was tasty and thoughtfully curated. The small size of the class is frequently praised for allowing personalized attention, which makes the experience feel special and tailored.

The Value of the Experience

While the price might seem steep at first glance, many feel it’s justified by the quality of instruction and tasting. You’re not just drinking wine; you’re acquiring skills and knowledge that you can carry home—plus, you get to enjoy a memorable, hands-on activity.

Practicalities to Keep in Mind

• The class starts at 12:00 pm.
• It runs for about 2 hours.
• The group size is limited to 16 travelers, fostering interaction.
• The cost is approximately $113.49 per person, which gets you four wines, Champagne, cheeses, bread, olives, ham, and expert guidance.
• You must be at least 18 years old to participate.
• Cancellation is flexible if done 6 days in advance, offering peace of mind if your plans change.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for food and wine lovers looking to deepen their understanding of French flavors without the formality of a large tour. It’s perfect if you enjoy interactive, small-group activities that combine education with tasting. Families with older children may also enjoy it if they’re interested in learning about wine and cheese, but note the minimum drinking age of 18.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking a quick, casual tasting or those on a tight schedule, as it’s a dedicated 2-hour class. Also, if you’re not particularly keen on wine or cheese, this might not be your best fit.

The Sum Up

This Paris wine and cheese class offers more than just tasting; it’s a chance to learn, laugh, and develop a new appreciation for the flavors that define French cuisine. The knowledgeable guide, diversity of wines and cheeses, and relaxed environment make it a standout experience for those curious about what makes French food so special.

If you want a fun, interactive way to spend a couple of hours in the city while expanding your palate and skills, this class is well worth considering. It’s particularly enjoyable if you value good company, great food, and expert insight—all in a cozy Parisian setting.

While it’s not the cheapest activity, many travelers find the experience rewarding enough to justify the cost. Just remember to arrive ready to taste, learn, and maybe even master the art of sabering champagne!

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children or those under 18?
No, participants must be at least 18 years old to enjoy this class, as it involves alcohol tasting.

How long does the class last?
The class is approximately 2 hours long, starting around noon.

What is included in the price?
You get four wine samples, a Champagne, cheese from the five major cheese families, plus bread, olives, and ham. You also receive a Drop-Stop for perfect pours.

Where does the class take place?
It starts at Le Foodist, located at 59 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine in central Paris, a location accessible by public transportation.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Changes less than 6 days prior are not accepted, and cancellations less than 2 days prior are not refunded.

Is the group size limited?
Yes, the class is capped at 16 travelers to ensure a personal experience.

Would this be good for someone who wants a quick taste of Parisian wine and cheese?
It’s more of an in-depth, hands-on experience, so if you’re short on time, you might prefer a shorter tasting. But if you want to truly appreciate the flavors and learn some skills, this class offers much more than a quick sip.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just someone eager to enjoy French classics in a relaxed setting, this class seems like a worthwhile addition to your Paris itinerary. Cheers to great food experiences!