Toulouse isn’t just about haute cuisine and aviation; it’s also a fantastic city for exploring French wines without leaving the city center. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just enjoy a good glass with local snacks, Toulouse offers engaging and authentic drinking tours. We particularly love the Explore Toulouse Wine Bars with a Local Wine Expert, which combines friendly guides, cozy venues, and the chance to learn about lesser-known southwest France wines. This tour stands out for its intimate setting and educational approach—perfect for those wanting to build confidence in ordering wine in France.
In this list, we cover a range of wine experiences: from small-group walking tours exploring hidden wine bars to more in-depth sessions with certified experts. Each offers a unique glimpse into Toulouse’s thriving wine scene, helping you savor local flavors while learning the stories behind each glass. Read on to find the best fit for your taste and schedule.
1. Explore Toulouse Wine Bars with a Local Wine Expert
At number one, this small-group walking tour offers a relaxed introduction to Toulouse’s intimate wine bars. For around $110, you’ll spend about 2.5 hours strolling through the city center, visiting 2-3 carefully selected venues. The tour emphasizes lesser-known wines of southwest France, making it a great choice for adventurous wine lovers eager to expand their palate. Your guide, a knowledgeable local, will teach you tasting techniques and help you understand regional varieties like Gamay and Duras, which are less common outside France.
The tour includes tastings of several wines paired with local charcuterie and cheeses, adding a delicious local touch. The stops are carefully chosen—one is on the shaded square of Place de la Bourse, loved for its scenic terrace, and another on the bustling Marché des Carmes. Reviewers praise the guide’s expertise and the relaxed atmosphere, with one mentioning, “Jessica was very personable and knowledgeable,” and another highlighting how “we made some new friends and tasted delicious wines.”
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for those wanting a relaxed, educational experience that combines great wine, local bites, and cozy venues in Toulouse’s heart. It offers excellent value, especially for travelers eager to learn and taste without feeling rushed.
2. Toulouse: Wine Bar Walking Tour with a Local Wine Expert
For around $123, the Toulouse: Wine Bar Walking Tour with a Local Wine Expert offers a deeper dive into the city’s wine scene over 2.5 hours. This tour is perfect if you want to explore Toulouse’s trendiest wine bars while unraveling the complexities of France’s AOC/IGP system—a key to understanding French wines. Led by a certified French Wine Scholar, you’ll visit several top spots, tasting a variety of local wines that you can easily describe and order confidently.
What makes this experience stand out is the combination of sipping and learning. You’ll gather around a delicious apéritif platter as you sample wines that highlight the region’s diversity. The guide’s expertise helps you understand the nuances of each wine, making it especially valuable for wine enthusiasts who want more than just tasting—who want to understand what makes each wine special. The reviews mention how the guide’s expertise and relaxed vibe made the experience memorable, with one saying, “We learned so much about the local wine scene and felt confident ordering wine afterward.”
Bottom Line: If you’re keen on a more comprehensive wine education combined with exploring Toulouse’s lively bar scene, this tour delivers a quality experience at a slightly higher price point.
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in Toulouse
When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, your interests, and how deep you want your wine education to be. If you prefer a relaxed walk through cozy wine bars with a friendly guide, the Explore Toulouse Wine Bars with a Local Wine Expert is perfect. For those eager to learn about France’s wine classification and enjoy a more in-depth tasting experience, the Toulouse: Wine Bar Walking Tour with a Local Wine Expert is a great choice.
Think about your time available—both tours are around 2.5 hours—and whether you’d like to focus more on tasting or also gaining wine knowledge. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your spot in these small-group tours.
In summary, Toulouse offers a delightful mix of wine adventures, whether you prefer a casual tasting stroll or an educational deep dive into French wines. For a cozy, educational evening with local food and wine, the first tour is ideal. If you’re looking to understand the complexities of French wine labels and explore trendier spots, the second tour fits the bill. Whichever you choose, booking in advance ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable experiences. Cheers to discovering Toulouse’s best wines!
