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Small and large producers offer a selection of the myriad flavours of wine in Paris, a city where the art of wine tasting is constantly being reinvented. The wide variety of French and international wines certainly deserved a special wine list to help you appreciate them! In every wine bar in Paris, you’ll discover a carefully curated wine list: small producers with lovely bouquets, rare and classified wines, Mediterranean vineyards or Burgundian hillsides. White, red or rosé, these oenological havens with their relaxed atmosphere offer an exhaustive selection accompanied by cheese and charcuterie platters that bring out the best in these wines. Champagnes also constitute a world of their own.
Paris, a city of gastronomy and the art of living, is brimming with wine bars where both connoisseurs and novices can indulge in the pleasures of wine tasting. These establishments, true temples to wine, offer a unique experience for having a drink in Paris. But what makes these places so special, and why are they worth a visit?
Parisian wine bars stand out for their exceptional range of wines by the glass, allowing you to explore different wine regions without having to order a whole bottle. Establishments such as Ô Chateau offer more than 50 wines by the glass, ranging from classic vintages to hidden gems. This format is ideal for the curious who wish to explore a variety of wines, or for those who prefer to taste in moderation.
The sommeliers and owners passionately select wines from all the regions of France – Burgundy, Bordeaux, Loire, Rhône – as well as some more surprising international vintages. Whether you’re looking for conventional, organic or natural wines, full-bodied reds, aromatic whites or refreshing rosés, there’s something for everyone to suit their tastes and budget.
Part of the charm of a Parisian wine bar lies in the perfect combination of wine tasting and light bites. Platters of fine charcuterie and mature cheeses are the ideal accompaniment to fine wines. Some establishments go a step further by offering gourmet dishes: homemade rillettes, foie gras, antipasti, slow-cooked dishes or reimagined tapas.
The atmosphere is just as carefully curated as the food. Cosy décor, exposed stone walls, shelves lined with bottles, and rough-hewn wooden tables.
.. Wine bars foster a friendly atmosphere that encourages lively conversation and socialising. Whether you’re sitting at the bar, at a table with friends or in a more intimate corner, these venues invite you to share and unwind, far from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The real added value of a wine bar lies in the expertise of the wine merchants and sommeliers who look after you. These enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge, recounting the history of a vineyard, explaining the characteristics of a grape variety or suggesting perfect pairings for your meal.
Don’t hesitate to let them know your preferences or to let them guide you. They’ll be able to steer you towards discoveries tailored to your palate and your budget. Some establishments even organise themed tasting sessions to deepen your knowledge of wine in a relaxed atmosphere.
Parisian wine bars are thus much more than just places to drink: they are hubs of life, discovery and enjoyment where wine culture is shared in a friendly atmosphere, perfectly reflecting the French art of living.
Are you looking for a cosy spot to savour a fine wine and share a platter of cheeses or charcuterie? Paris is brimming with characterful wine bars, each with its own personality and unique selection. Whether you’re a discerning wine lover or simply curious, here’s an overview of the best spots by neighbourhood. Enough to satisfy your thirst for wine discovery in every corner of the capital!
| Name | Address | Atmosphere | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Barav | 6 rue Charles-François Dupuis, Paris 3rd arrondissement | Friendly, adjoining wine cellar | €€ |
| Frenchie Bar à Vins | 6 rue du Nil, Paris 2nd arrondissement | Elegant, gourmet | €€€ |
| La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels | 7 rue Lobineau, Paris 6th arrondissement | Cosy, intimate | €€€ |
| Ô Chateau | 68 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Paris 1st arrondissement | Chic, wine tastings | €€€ |
| Yard Cave | 6 rue de Mont-Louis, Paris 11th arrondissement | Trendy, natural wines | €€ |
| Dilettantes | 22 rue de Savoie, Paris 6th arrondissement | Refined, specialising in champagnes | €€€ |
The historic heart of Paris offers a remarkable selection of wine bars, tucked away in picturesque alleyways. Le Barav, a veritable institution in the Haut Marais, welcomes you into a cosy setting with over 250 wines to enjoy on the premises or take away. Its adjoining cellar allows you to choose your bottle before savouring it in the restaurant.
Don’t miss Ô Chateau, one of the best wine bars in Paris, offering over 50 wines by the glass and tastings led by passionate sommeliers. The perfect spot for wine lovers looking to hone their knowledge.
For a more intimate atmosphere, Wine Therapy, tucked away on Rue des Haudriettes, offers a carefully curated selection of natural wines in a typically Parisian vaulted cellar setting. The prices per glass remain very affordable for such remarkable quality. Le Figuier, on Rue Jean du Bellay, is a very solid choice in the 4th arrondissement.
The Left Bank, the quintessential intellectual neighbourhood, is home to some exceptional wine bars. Dilettantes, a veritable temple to champagne on Rue de Savoie, invites you to discover sparkling wines from small producers in an elegant setting. An unmissable spot for lovers of fine sparkling wines.
The Compagnie Saint-Germain, tucked away behind the Marché Saint-Germain, charms with its cosy nooks and exceptional wine list. Special mention goes to their selection of natural wines and their gourmet platters, which are the perfect accompaniment to a tasting.
Grains, on Rue Mabillon, offers an innovative ‘wine cellar dining’ concept with a fine selection of wines and sakes. The atmosphere is friendly and the advice expert, making it ideal for discovering original vintages in a relaxed setting. On the bustling Rue des Grands Augustins, head to Augustin Marchand d’Vins and its 900 or so wines!
Around the Opéra Garnier and in the 9th arrondissement, several wine bars are well worth a visit. Willi’s Wine Bar, near the Place des Victoires, is a wine bar popular with an international clientele who come to explore a wine list featuring 250 wines. The cuisine, inspired by market fresh produce and seasonal ingredients, offers one of the best value-for-money experiences in Paris.
O Lieu de, a real haven for wine enthusiasts, offers between 60 and 80 wines, with an excellent selection of organic and natural wines. Prices are particularly affordable, with bottles starting at €25 and a generous happy hour.
For a more intimate experience, Racines, tucked away in the Passage des Panoramas, is an Italian wine bar where you can sample wines from across the Alps, accompanied by delicious platters of produce imported directly from Italy.
The trendy neighbourhoods of eastern Paris are brimming with stylish wine bars. La Yard Cave, with its black brickwork and dark wooden floor, is the result of a collaboration between natural wine experts. Its small terrace allows you to make the most of sunny days whilst savouring exceptional wines.
Le Dénicheur, a discreet little mosaic-tiled wine bar in the Tiquetonne neighbourhood, offers unbeatable aperitifs with a fine selection of French natural wines and a pleasant terrace sheltered from the traffic.
For those who love to explore, Chambre Noire, in the 11th arrondissement, offers an original selection of German natural wines in a relaxed atmosphere. Its cosy terrace is perfect for summer evenings.
Here’s a jumble of a few spots in the 11th arrondissement that are definitely worth a visit:
In eastern Paris, several venues are well worth a visit for their carefully curated selection and friendly atmosphere. Le Siffleur de Ballons, on Rue de Cîteaux, is a cosy wine bar offering a regularly changing menu and generous portions of local produce.
Septime La Cave, the little brother of the Michelin-starred restaurant, is an intimate wine bar where you can sample rare vintages in a subdued atmosphere. The selection, which focuses mainly on natural wines, will delight connoisseurs and novices alike.
Bibou, tucked away near the Bastille, charms with its relaxed atmosphere and affordable wine list. People come here as much for the quality of the wines as for the warm welcome from the owners, who are always ready to share their passion.
Rue de la Croix-Nivert (15th arrondissement): head to Jiuba Laurier, a former PMU bar offering a fine selection of natural wines by the glass or bottle, at reasonable prices!
The northern arrondissements of Paris are home to some real hidden gems for wine lovers. A top spot in the 18th: Sobremesa, near Lamarck-Caulaincourt. To round off this round-up, Le Petit Verdot, tucked away in a quiet street in Montmartre, offers an impressive wine list in a typically Parisian setting. The terrace, though small, offers a charming view of the steps of the Butte.
At the entrance to Buttes-Chaumont Park, don’t miss the Buttes Snack Bar with its brutalist-vintage style, which ticks all the boxes for the ideal wine bar: a relaxed atmosphere, a carefully curated selection and high-quality light bites. In the same area, Marnes Bleues is also well worth a visit! Near Saint-Louis Hospital, the Centre Culturel, with its two rooms – one of which has a musical vibe – is housed in a former bicycle storage shed.
In the 20th arrondissement, above Père Lachaise Cemetery, La Cordonnerie – as its name suggests, a former cobbler’s workshop – offers a lovely selection of natural wines.
Crossing the ring road towards Seine-Saint-Denis, the wine scene is really buzzing. In Pantin, Le Pastoral and other trendy spots along the Canal de l’Ourcq offer superb selections of natural and organic wines in former industrial wastelands that have been redeveloped. A little further on in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, welcoming venues such as La Fine Fleur give pride of place to independent winemakers, perfectly reflecting the spirit of eastern Paris.
In Paris, the wine bar scene has undergone a transformation in recent years, offering a range of atmospheres and concepts to suit all tastes. From trendy venues where natural wine appeals to a young, party-loving crowd, to cosy spots with subdued lighting and new organic haunts that prioritise socially conscious producers, how do you find your way around to choose the ideal wine bar to suit your preferences?
Wine bars in Paris have become a must for lively evenings out in the capital. These trendy spots are characterised by a relaxed atmosphere where the music – often carefully selected vinyl records – accompanies sophisticated wine tastings. In the 11th arrondissement, the true epicentre of natural wine in Paris, you’ll find venues such as Bambino, which channels the slightly offbeat Milanese bar vibe, where you can raise a glass at the bar before dancing the night away.
These new-generation wine bars generally offer an eclectic menu with over 50 wines by the glass, favouring small producers and exclusive vintages. The atmosphere is friendly, sometimes lively – ideal for after-work drinks with colleagues or catching up with friends. Platters of charcuterie and cheese are often served alongside creative dishes crafted by talented chefs, creating a decidedly contemporary food-and-wine pairing.
For a more subdued atmosphere, Paris’s cosy wine bars offer the perfect setting for intimate conversations. These havens of peace are recognisable by their subdued lighting, cosy banquettes and warm interiors. Some, such as L’Ambassade de Bourgogne near the Odéon, offer an intimate setting with exposed stone walls and a 100 per cent Burgundian selection for lovers of grands crus.
As for organic wine bars, they represent a major trend in Paris. These establishments prioritise a carefully curated selection of organic wines, biodynamic or natural wines, often from independent winegrowers. Some venues, such as Les Bariolés de Maud in the 11th arrondissement, stock over 700 different wines, with the selection ranging from sulphite-free wines to Catalan orange wines. The atmosphere is generally relaxed, with passionate staff on hand to guide you through your wine-tasting discoveries. These venues attract a clientele that cares about environmental issues and is keen to discover authentic wines in a friendly yet tranquil atmosphere.
From grand crus to hidden gems, the world of wine in Paris offers a thousand and one ways to savour these divine beverages. Two concepts stand out in particular: traditional wine bars and the more contemporary ‘caves à manger’. Let’s explore together what characterises these two temples dedicated to the pleasures of wine!
The ‘cave à manger’, a Parisian trend, is the perfect fusion of a wine cellar and a dining room. More than just a place for wine tasting, it embodies a convivial way of life where wine becomes the ideal companion to creative and often locally sourced cuisine.
In these cosy spaces, often featuring a large communal table perfect for socialising, you can enjoy carefully selected bottles from small producers, accompanied by sharing platters with refined flavours: fine charcuterie, mature cheeses or more elaborate dishes. The dining wine cellar stands out for its extended opening hours, generally from Tuesday to Saturday, from midday to 2 pm and then from 6 pm until 10 pm or later, allowing for extended aperitifs with friends.
Another appealing feature is that some wine bars charge a corkage fee, allowing you to bring your own bottle for a small fee of a few euros. This option appeals to wine enthusiasts wishing to open a special bottle to mark a special occasion.
The choice between a wine bar and a dining wine cellar depends mainly on the experience you’re looking for. Opt for a traditional wine bar when you want to focus purely on tasting, with a generally more extensive wine list and a more formal service. These establishments often offer light meals, mainly focusing on classic accompaniments that bring out the wines’ aromas.
Opt instead for a wine cellar with food for a relaxed evening with friends, where the ‘home-from-home’ atmosphere encourages sharing and discovery. These friendly venues, often run by wine enthusiasts, are perfect for exploring natural and biodynamic wines in a relaxed setting. The bar or large communal table encourages conversation with fellow wine lovers, whilst the more elaborate cuisine becomes a true complement to the wine.
In Paris, these two concepts complement each other beautifully, offering enthusiasts and newcomers alike a multitude of ways to celebrate the pleasures of wine, be it white, red or rosé!
Natural wine, far more than just a trend, has become a genuine phenomenon in the French capital. This authentic beverage, produced without any synthetic chemicals and with little or no added sulphites, appeals thanks to its ‘laisser-faire’ philosophy, which allows the grapes to express themselves freely. As Jules Chauvet, a pioneer of the movement, so aptly put it: ‘The less you tamper with it, the better it turns out’.
Unlike organic wines, which follow strict specifications but permit certain oenological additives, natural wines take this approach a step further by favouring the indigenous yeasts naturally present on the grape skin. This minimalist approach yields distinctive and complex aromas that pleasantly surprise the curious palate. It’s therefore no surprise that the natural wine market is growing by 20 to 30 per cent a year!
Paris has established itself as the world capital of natural wine, with more dedicated venues in the 11th arrondissement alone than in the whole of New York! Here are five havens for lovers of these divine beverages:
These Parisian venues give pride of place to passionate winemakers and small-scale producers who craft these wines with love and respect for nature. So, are you ready to discover the myriad flavours of natural wines?
Choosing a wine bar in Paris means treating yourself to a culinary journey through the fascinating world of fine wines. To ensure your experience is a memorable one, here are a few tips to help you make the most of these welcoming venues where you can discover new flavours!
The wine list reflects the soul of an establishment. Take the time to browse it carefully before making your choice. The best Parisian wine bars now offer a varied selection, ranging from great classics to hidden gems from small producers.
Don’t hesitate to ask the sommelier about the highlights of their list! Does it focus on natural wines, classified growths or international discoveries? Trendy wine bars often showcase organic wines or rare grape varieties. Some establishments, such as Ô Chateau, offer over 50 wines by the glass – a real treat for curious wine lovers keen to sample a variety of wines without having to order a whole bottle.
The art of pairing wine with food transforms a simple tasting into a true gastronomic experience. In a good wine bar, the staff are trained to guide you towards the perfect pairings. Don’t hesitate to ask them for advice!
Classic pairings remain a safe bet: a crisp white with seafood, a full-bodied red with a charcuterie platter… But trends are shaking up these conventions with more daring pairings. Parisian wine bars now offer cheese platters specially selected to complement certain wines, or creative tapas that bring out the aromas of your wine.
The harmony between the flavours of the dish and those of the wine creates a synergy that greatly enriches your tasting experience.
Enjoying good wines doesn’t necessarily mean spending a fortune. There are several tips to help you keep your budget under control whilst still savouring excellent bottles. Look out for times when venues offer special deals – many Parisian wine bars have happy hours with discounted glasses.
Opt for tasting by the glass rather than by the bottle if you want to explore a range of wines. Some establishments offer tasting sets: three or four small glasses to discover different grape varieties without breaking the bank.
For a high-quality wine experience in the 9th arrondissement, the Auburn wine bar offers a remarkable selection at reasonable prices, ideal for wine lovers wishing to make some wonderful discoveries without breaking the bank.
