Paris, a wine capital for many travelers. If you’re visiting and want to experience French wine beyond a glass at dinner, you must plan ahead for wine tours in Paris. Whether you’re interested in a wine bar tour in Paris or heading into wine country, choosing the right wine tour in Paris makes all the difference.
I’ve worked as a sommelier in Paris, wine export and marketing in Beaune, and now curate cultural wine experiences across France. Wine tours in Paris are not one-size-fits-all, and what works for someone looking for a fun, social tasting may not be the right fit for a collector or serious wine student. This guide breaks down the key things you need to know before booking.
1. The Most Popular Wine Tours from Paris
For most visitors, Champagne is the first choice for a wine tour in Paris. It’s the closest major wine region to Paris and has a well-developed wine tourism infrastructure, making it easy to visit for the day. A typical Champagne tour includes winery visits, cellar tours, and tastings of both large houses and smaller growers.
You can visit Champagne in different ways:
- Private guided tour with a driver – More expensive, but fully customized. They have established relationships with wineries.
- Group tour – More budget-friendly, with a set itinerary. Usually through a larger tour operator.
- Self-guided trip – Take the train to Reims or Épernay and visit Champagne houses independently.
If you want to explore beyond Champagne, you can reach several other major wine regions by train in under three hours:
- Loire Valley (1 hr 15 min) – Known for Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and stunning châteaux.
- Burgundy (1 hr 40 min) – A must-visit for serious wine collectors, focused on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
- Bordeaux (2 hr 15 min) – Famous for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but best suited for an overnight stay. A large city that requires driving to get to the vineyards.
If you’re considering a wine region other than Champagne, plan for at least one overnight stay.
2. Wine Tour Pricing & Budget Considerations
There’s a big difference between group tours, private tours, and high-end wine experiences. If you’ve flown across the world to drink wine in France, don’t cut corners. A well-planned tour with the right guide can make all the difference.
- Group wine tours – The least expensive option. These follow a set itinerary and are ideal for casual wine drinkers. Expect to pay €180–€350 per person.
- Private wine tours – Fully customized, with access to smaller producers and a guide who adapts the tour based on your knowledge level. Prices start at €600+ per person.
- Luxury wine experiences – This is where you’ll get grand cru tastings, fine dining pairings, and access to exclusive wineries. Expect to pay €1,000+ per person.
For a truly memorable experience, consider what you want to gain from your wine tours in Paris, whether it’s education, enjoyment, or a bit of both.
If you’re a wine student, collector, or just deeply passionate about wine, working with the right guide is crucial. Many of the best producers are small and don’t offer public visits. A guide who knows the region can get you access that isn’t otherwise available.
3. Where to Go for Wine Tastings in Paris
If you don’t have time to leave Paris but still want a serious wine experience, there are plenty of options. I started my career as a sommelier in Paris, and there is much more to explore than just sitting at a sidewalk café with a glass of wine.
Here are some of the best places to experience Paris’ wine culture:
- Parisian Vineyards – Yes, there are vineyards in Paris. Read my guide on Exploring Parisian Vineyards to learn more.
- Natural Wine Bars – The best neighborhoods for natural wine are the 11th, 10th, and 20th arrondissements.
- Classic Wine Bars and Shops – For a more elegant experience, visit La Cave Pigalle, 228 LITRES (18th), or Les Caves Legrand in Galerie Vivienne (1eme).
- Wine Tastings in Paris – Thierry on the Left Bank runs an excellent introductory tasting in English.
- Girl Meets Glass – Tanisha, a wine educator, offers bespoke wine experiences in both Paris and Champagne.
Choosing the right guide for your wine tours in Paris is essential, as they can provide you with insider knowledge and access to hidden gems.
For a more relaxed experience, visit a local épicerie, pick up a great bottle of wine, cheese, and some charcuterie, and have a picnic along the Seine. Sometimes, that’s the best way to enjoy wine in Paris.
4. Best Time to Book a Wine Tour in Paris
The best time for a wine tour in France depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for.
- Spring & Summer (April–August) – This is a great time for picnic-style tastings, biking, and vineyard visits.
- Fall (September–November) – If you want to see harvest season, this is the time to go. But keep in mind that winemakers are busy and many smaller producers don’t accept visitors for a few weeks. That said, fall colors in wine country are incredible.
- Winter (December–February) – Some places close, particularly in Burgundy, but this is a good time for intimate cellar tastings. It’s also when trade events like Wine Paris and VinExpo take place.
Insider Tip: If you want a small-production, independent-producer experience, avoid visiting during the busiest weeks of harvest.
5. Booking & Planning Tips for Wine Tours
If you’ve read my blog before, you know I sound like a broken record about booking early. Many people assume they can just show up and visit wineries, but that’s not how it works in France—especially for smaller producers.
- Bring water and a snack. Lunch is taken seriously in France, and there’s nothing worse than rushing through tastings because you’re starving.
- Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance for popular tours.
- Private tours require earlier reservations—at least 1–2 months in peak season.
- Train tickets to Champagne or Burgundy should be booked through SNCF (official site), not third-party resellers.
- Check if food is included in your tour. If it’s not, plan your lunch in advance—restaurants in wine regions book up quickly.
6. How to Choose the Right Wine Tour for You
Before booking, consider:
- Budget – Are you looking for a budget-friendly group tour or a high-end private experience?
- Location – Do you want to stay in Paris or visit a wine region like Champagne, Burgundy, or the Loire Valley?
- Experience Level – Are you a casual wine drinker or a serious wine student looking for in-depth education?
- Tour Type – Do you want a vineyard tour, wine bar hopping experience, or a multi-day deep dive into a region?
I work with travelers from all over the world and specialize in curating immersive, interdisciplinary wine experiences. French wine is deeply tied to history, culture, and terroir, and my goal is to share that with visitors in a way that feels personal and enriching.
That said, I’m not the right fit for everyone. If you already have a clear vision of what you want, ask questions before booking to make sure a tour aligns with your expectations.
If you need someone to help bring your wine travel plans to life, contact me. I curate experiences primarily in Burgundy, but I also work with clients in Champagne, the Rhône Valley, and Provence. If you prefer to explore on your own, I offer custom itineraries for Paris, Lyon, and other French wine regions.
Ultimately, wine tours in Paris will enrich your knowledge and appreciation of wine, giving you a taste of France’s rich wine culture. For those looking to connect deeply with wine, wine tours in Paris can offer unique experiences that cater specifically to your interests.
