By: Genevieve Mc Carthy / Last updated: August 1, 2023
UNCORK THE MAGIC: PARIS’ PREMIER RESTAURANTS FOR WINE ENTHUSIASTS!
Paris is a city of over two million people and is today France’s undisputed economic, political, artistic, and gastronomic hub. Citizens of Lyon would undoubtedly disagree, but as far as we are concerned, no other city in France offers as much variety of places to eat and drink: high-end haute-cuisine or brasseries off the beaten-track Parisian cuisines offers it all. And, of course, wine lists containing Bordeaux and Burgundy’s big names have always been an honored part of the Parisian high-end restaurant experience.
However, a revolution in the city’s gastronomic scene has occurred over the last few years. A new generation of bistros and bars are making the wines far more important than the food — which has to be up-to-scratch, nonetheless. Still, you choose the wine first, and then the chef will match the appropriate dishes.
So it’s an exhilarating time to be a wine lover dining out in Paris. The classic Encyclopedia size wine lists at venues like La Tour d’Argent still exist for those who love the freedom of choice, which is exactly what a top wine list provides for oenophiles. The other key factor that elevates Paris above most cities is the sheer volume of educated sommeliers in Paris, who will help you quickly navigate those giant-size lists. The new kids on the block join these venues, smaller restaurants that serve a wide section of good value wines by the glass, often specializing in one region or wine style, natural wines being currently in vogue. Their numbers are growing, so we’ve worked hard for you and selected the best below.
Established in 1582, La Tour d’Argent has recovered its top-class status after a slightly shaky period following the death of Claude Terrail in 2006. Besides Chef Laurent Delarbre’s exquisitely refined cooking, the main event is the 15,000-bin wine list, which is undoubtedly one of the world’s largest! Head Sommelier David Ridgway is a true professional and will guide you toward the perfect pairing, as this list has a wine for every eventuality. A must-visit for every wine lover once in their lifetime.
Sip a superior wine with your excellent meal here at barely above retail prices in a fantastic atmosphere! This venue is a dream for locals and tourists alike — great food, polite, attentive service (not always a given in Paris), and a wide selection of affordable wines. The owners generally avoid the big names, so expect to find unexpected and hidden gems in their fantastic list.
One for the traditionalists, Alain Ducasse’s restaurant at the Hotel Plaza Athénée serves 3 Starred Michelin cuisine as refined and mind-blowing as any you’ll find in Paris. The opulent, formal surroundings are complemented by a classically styled, elaborate wine list, which is a Bordeaux lover’s delight. Extensive selections of older Bordeaux vintages and an impressive selection of vintage Champagnes are on offer. Sommelier Laurent Roucayrol can assist with your choices but make no mistake; this is a place for a wine splurge, not a place to go on a budget.
Blink, and you’ll miss it; Frenchie is a haven of great bistro-style cooking and fantastic wine pairings from small domaines and family enterprises; no big names to be found here! Sommelier Laura Vidal focuses on non-celebrities, so expect lots of natural wine choices and wines from regions you probably won’t have heard of—a great place to seek out the lesser-known.
A monument to Paris’s importance as a capital of Gastronomy, Le Grand Vefour is a 3 Star Michelin restaurant founded in the 18th century. It is considered one of the most beautiful in Paris and has a very long, extensive wine list to match. The bias toward French wines is understandable, considering that every major region in France produces long-lived classics. Burgundy lovers are in for a particular treat, but we would head to the Loire for the best value.
Undoubtedly one of the finest hotel dining experiences in Paris, Epicure is a hard act to follow with chef Eric Frechon’s impeccably executed take on the French classics. Locals wait months for a table at this coveted restaurant, which also houses an outstanding wine list with a good mix of French and international wine choices. The sommelier is one of the most helpful and obliging we’ve ever met in this city.
Let the sommelier duo Nathalie and Robin pair your wines with your food choices, and you can’t go far wrong at this delightful bistro near the Louvre. They offer over 200 different wines worldwide, but no list. Instead, you ask for a recommendation, and they will gladly serve any wine they stock by the glass. Wines are complemented by the ever-changing Plats du Jour choices and a selection of charcuterie and fresh cheeses.
Genevieve, originally from San Diego, California, has spent the last 25 years living in Europe, primarily in Spain, Ireland, and Italy. She has a background in the wine industry, having worked for a top wine importer in Ireland and a prestigious winery in Italy's Franciacorta region. In 2003, Genevieve founded Cellar Tours, a boutique wine tours company based in Madrid, Spain. She holds wine education credentials from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in London and has a strong network within the European wine industry. Genevieve's company specializes in organizing VIP tours to exclusive wineries that are not accessible to the general public. With a passion for food and wine, fluency in multiple languages, and expertise in luxury travel and tourism, Genevieve has built a successful career in creating unique wine experiences.
Explore the best restaurants in La Rioja Wine Country, known for its exquisite culinary experiences. Discover the top dining options in this beautiful region.
5 thoughts on ““Indulge in Paris’ Finest: Top Restaurants for Wine Lovers”
Travel Notes in Paris | Cellar Tours Blogsays:
October 3, 2013 at 6:29 pm
[…] Bourgignon du Marais – always a fave and featured in our post on best restaurants for wine lovers in Paris, the famed Boeuf Bourguignon was as fabulous as ever, perfect for the chillier temps. Located on a […]
Llyane @ FrenchOnSkypesays:
September 12, 2013 at 2:04 am
Oh, my Lord, I love this!!
I have been looking for such a long time for this kind of resource.
Thank you so much,
Llyane
Mariasays:
August 12, 2013 at 1:57 pm
I need to schedule another trip to Paris! This list sounds amazing!
Mary O'Connorsays:
August 12, 2013 at 7:06 am
Great list...love Frenchie and Spring. Also love the more informal Frenchie Bar a Vin across the street! No reservations, great wines and small plates!
Maria Roddysays:
August 8, 2013 at 3:51 pm
Ahhh! Next time Gen will make it to some of these...love the one on the Marais! Le Porte Pot & Cafe Burq more "us"
More information
If you would like us to customize an exclusive luxury tour, contact us and let us know your travel plans. We offer luxury food and wine tours for private groups of a mininium two guests. In addition, all of our private, chauffeured tours are available year-round upon request.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
Travel Notes in Paris | Cellar Tours Blogsays:
October 3, 2013 at 6:29 pm
[…] Bourgignon du Marais – always a fave and featured in our post on best restaurants for wine lovers in Paris, the famed Boeuf Bourguignon was as fabulous as ever, perfect for the chillier temps. Located on a […]
Llyane @ FrenchOnSkypesays:
September 12, 2013 at 2:04 am
Oh, my Lord, I love this!! I have been looking for such a long time for this kind of resource. Thank you so much, Llyane
Mariasays:
August 12, 2013 at 1:57 pm
I need to schedule another trip to Paris! This list sounds amazing!
Mary O'Connorsays:
August 12, 2013 at 7:06 am
Great list...love Frenchie and Spring. Also love the more informal Frenchie Bar a Vin across the street! No reservations, great wines and small plates!
Maria Roddysays:
August 8, 2013 at 3:51 pm
Ahhh! Next time Gen will make it to some of these...love the one on the Marais! Le Porte Pot & Cafe Burq more "us"