Secret 17TH Cellar Cheese & Wine Tasting in Paris

Imagine stepping into a hidden 17th-century cheese cellar in the heart of Paris’ charming Marais district. Here, you’ll embark on a unique sensory journey, exploring the nuances of artisanal French cheeses and natural wines. Guided by a former chef and sommelier, this intimate tasting offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the art of cheesemaking and the secrets of crafting the perfect wine pairing. With a curated selection of top-quality dairy and libations, this is an experience that truly celebrates the rich culinary heritage of France.

Key Points

• Experience a 2-2.5 hour secret cheese cellar tasting in Paris featuring 8 artisanal farmhouse cheeses, 4 low-intervention wines, and insights from a former chef and sommelier.
• Explore a 17th-century temperature-controlled cheese cellar in Le Marais and learn about the history, science, and processes behind French cheesemaking.
• Discover the art of wine and cheese pairing, with guidance on how to enhance the flavors of both through regional pairings and pairing techniques.
• Receive a curated list of top food and drink spots in Paris to continue your culinary exploration after the tasting.
• Enjoy a range of artisanal breads, seasonal fruit, and sweet treats to complement the cheese and wine experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience Overview

Travelers can embark on a secret cheese cellar tasting experience in Paris, which lasts between 2 to 2.5 hours.

Priced from $106.58 per person, the tasting offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Priced from $106.58 per person, the tasting offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

This exclusive experience showcases 8 artisanal farmhouse cheeses, 4 low-intervention wines, 3 types of artisanal bread, seasonal fruit, and sweet treats.

Led by a former chef and sommelier, the tasting provides insights into French cheese history, science, and processes, as well as cheese etiquette, tasting techniques, and wine and cheese pairings.

Tasting Details

The tasting showcases 8 artisanal farmhouse cheeses, 4 low-intervention wines curated by a sommelier, 3 types of artisanal bread from a top Parisian baker, along with seasonal fruit and sweet treats.

Guests will be guided through the tasting by an ex-chef and sommelier, who’ll provide insights into French cheese history, science, and processes.

They’ll also learn about cheese etiquette, tasting techniques, and wine and cheese pairing.

Attendees will receive a curated list of the top 10 food and drink spots in Paris to explore on their own.

Meeting Point and Location

The tasting takes place in the heart of Le Marais, Paris’ historic Jewish quarter. Guests meet at the Joannault cheese shop, identified by its bright yellow exterior.

From there, they’re guided down to a 17th-century cheese cellar, providing an intimate and atmospheric setting for the experience. The cellar’s temperature-controlled environment is ideal for preserving the unique qualities of the artisanal cheeses.

With access to this private, underground location, participants can enjoy the rich history and tradition of French cheesemaking.

The meeting point is conveniently located, making it easy for guests to find and begin their cheese and wine adventure.

Insights Into French Cheese History, Science, and Processes

As part of the cheese and wine tasting experience, guests receive insights into the rich history, science, and intricate processes behind French cheesemaking.

The expert hosts share their knowledge on:

The expert hosts share their knowledge on the origins, production, and quality control of French artisanal cheeses.

1. The origins of French cheese, dating back to the 8th century.

2. The role of climate, geography, and traditional farming practices in producing unique regional cheeses.

3. The complex microbiology involved in cheese aging and development of flavors.

4. Strict quality control and certification processes that uphold the reputation of French artisanal cheeses.

This educational component enhances the tasting, allowing guests to appreciate the nuances of each cheese.

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Cheese Etiquette and Tasting Techniques

Along With the insights into French cheesemaking, the cheese and wine tasting experience also covers the proper etiquette and techniques for appreciating these artisanal products. Participants learn the do’s and don’ts of cheese tasting, including the ideal temperature, proper cutting techniques, and the importance of cleansing the palate between samples. A helpful table outlines the recommended steps:

| Step | Action |

| — | — |

| 1 | Observe the cheese’s appearance |

| 2 | Smell the cheese’s aroma |

| 3 | Gently touch the cheese’s texture |

| 4 | Take a small bite and savor the flavors |

| 5 | Cleanse the palate with bread or water |

Mastering these techniques ensures guests can fully enjoy the complex nuances of each carefully selected cheese and wine pairing.

Wine and Cheese Pairing Education

Pairing wine and cheese is an art form that enhances the flavors of both. During the cheese and wine tasting, the expert sommelier educates guests on the nuances of this pairing.

They highlight:

1. Acidity – Selecting wines with high acidity to balance rich, creamy cheeses.

2. Tannins – Pairing tannic red wines with hard, aged cheeses to complement their bold flavors.

3. Sweetness – Choosing off-dry whites or dessert wines to contrast salty, savory cheeses.

4. Terroir – Identifying regional wine and cheese pairings that showcase the local flavors.

With these principles, guests discover how thoughtful pairings elevate the entire tasting experience.

Curated List of Top 10 Food & Drink Spots in Paris

The expert hosts of the cheese and wine tasting provide guests with a curated list of the top 10 must-visit food and drink spots in Paris. This insider guide covers the best of the city’s culinary scene, from classic bistros to modern speakeasies. Attendees can use this list to explore Paris like a local and discover hidden gems beyond the tourist traps.

| Top 10 Spots in Paris | |

| — | — |

| 1. Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie | 6. Septime |

| 2. L’Avant Comptoir | 7. Café de Flore |

| 3. Frenchie | 8. Experimental Cocktail Club |

| 4. Du Pain et des Idées | 9. Brasserie Lola |

| 5. Pierre Hermé | 10. Le Grand Véfour |

Target Audience and Restrictions

Though the cheese and wine tasting experience is suitable for private or small groups, it’s not recommended for children under 15 or those with lactose intolerance.

The tasting is led by local experts Aurélien and Andrés, who are passionate about French culture and culinary experiences.

Passionate local experts Aurélien and Andrés lead the cheese and wine tasting experience.

The target audience includes:

1. Adults looking for an intimate, educational food and wine experience.

2. Groups of friends or colleagues seeking a unique cultural activity in Paris.

3. Travelers interested in delving into the history and science behind French cheese.

4. Foodies and oenophiles eager to learn cheese and wine pairing techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tasting Wheelchair Accessible?

The tasting is held in a 17th-century cheese cellar, which may not be fully wheelchair accessible. Guests should inquire about accessibility when booking to ensure the experience meets their needs.

Can I Bring My Own Wine or Cheese?

No, participants can’t bring their own wine or cheese to the tasting. The experience includes a curated selection of artisanal French cheeses and wines chosen by the expert hosts to complement each other. Outside food and drinks aren’t permitted.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tasting Session?

Yes, photography is allowed during the tasting session. The experience encourages guests to capture the unique setting and their tasting journey in the 17th-century cheese cellar. However, guests should be respectful and avoid disrupting the guided tasting.

Do You Offer Gluten-Free Bread Options?

Yes, the experience offers gluten-free bread options upon request. The hosts are happy to accommodate dietary needs and ensure all participants can fully enjoy the tasting.

Can I Purchase the Cheeses and Wines Tasted?

Yes, guests can purchase the artisanal cheeses and wines tasted during the experience. The expert guides provide information on purchasing these products to enjoy at home and continue exploring French culinary delights.

The Wrap Up

The secret 17th-century cheese cellar in Paris offers an intimate and educational journey through the world of artisanal French cheeses and low-intervention wines. Led by a former chef and sommelier, this 2 to 2.5-hour experience delves into the history, science, and pairing techniques of these specialty products, all while guests indulge in a curated selection in a temperature-controlled environment.

You can check availability for your dates here: