My top ten wine bars in Paris
Favourites from a city with so much to choose from
Having just come back from another short trip to Paris, now seems an appropriate time to list my favourite ten wine bars in the city.
I can’t say I’ve been to every bar there – that would take quite a while (although I’m getting there . . . ) – but I’ve been to enough to form an opinion on what is good and what isn’t.
Natural wine bars are big in Paris, and those who like that style won’t be disappointed. I’ve included one such bar, but this style of wine isn’t really my thing. That said, the unique atmosphere of this bar merits inclusion, even if I wasn’t impressed with the quality of the wine available.
There is no requirement to buy food in the bars listed – you can while away the time with just a glass, perhaps before a meal – but snacks such as cheese plates can be purchased in all of them. I hope you get a chance to check some of them out.
One further point: many bars are closed on some days during the week, so it’s definitely worth checking opening times to avoid disappointment.
(In alphabetical order)
Ambassade de Bourgogne
6th Arrondissement; nearest Metro: Odeon
Perfect for exploring wines from the Burgundy region. The list is extensive, and the bar doubles up as a shop, so you can purchase bottles for later. Famous producers available on the list include Sylvain Pataille, Jean & Jean-Louis Trapet, Drouhin, Domaine des Lambrays, Bruno Clair and Amoux-Lachaux, but that only scratches the surface. There is also a decent, more budget-orientated range by the glass, if you fancy a less-expensive evening.
Vibe Chilled out, slightly bohemian, befitting its location on the left bank close to the Latin Quarter, and not at all stuffy (most wine bars in Paris aren’t). I was the only non-French person there at the time. Rockin’ in Rhythm which you may remember from the TV series The Singing Detective (if you’re old enough), was one of the songs on the bar’s playlist.
Le Barav
3rd Arrondissement; nearest Metro: Republique
Perfect for hanging out with some young Parisians in a pub-like environment. As much beer as wine is drunk here, and the atmosphere was good when I was there – it was full by 7pm. There is a small wine list by the glass, but the best value comes from selecting a bottle from the adjacent small shop and paying a reasonable 7 euros in corkage. The selection of bottles is interesting – Jura is well represented – and off-beat, with a fair amount of pet nat and natural wine. There is also a chance to win a bottle by correctly guessing the mystery wine (needless to say I didn’t - it was a white from the Loire but not chenin or sauvignon blanc, indicative of the eclectic nature of the selection).
Vibe Like a decent pub. Staff friendly and helpful. Ideal for the first drink (or two) of the night, or sharing a bottle, before heading elsewhere.
La Bonbonnette
3rd Arrondissement; nearest Metro: Republique
Perfect for exploring a decent selection of wines from France as well as elsewhere in the world. The list is huge with a good selection from Bordeaux and Burgundy. Plenty by the glass as well with a decent selection of small plates. I had an Ogier syrah from IGP Collines Rhodaniennes.
Vibe Low-lit and easy to miss from the street. Has only been open for several weeks and was fairly quiet when I went, but plenty of enthusiasts standing at the bar. Excellent service, English well spoken.
Delicatessen Cave
3rd Arrondissement; nearest Metro: Republique
Perfect for sampling natural wine. The bar is adjacent to the eponymous wine shop. It’s very small and the chances are you’ll be standing outside, as it’s usually packed with young, trendy Parisians. If you like natural wine you’ll love it – in particular plenty of orange wine to choose from when I was there.
Vibe Young and trendy. Given the type of wine on offer it won’t be for everybody but the atmosphere is lively and laid-back.
Dilettantes Cave a Champagne
6th Arrondissement; nearest Metro: Saint-Michel
Perfect for grower champagne. Dilettantes has a great selection from small producers in the Champagne region and the styles tend to be more interesting than the Grandes Marques. Tastings are held by members of staff – you can’t just turn up and ask for a glass, you need to book in advance for a particular tasting, the cheapest being the ‘Terroir’ tasting, where you get four glasses of champagne for 45 euros. Excellent location close to Notre-Dame cathedral.
Vibe Educational but not overly serious. If you want to learn a bit more about champagne but don’t have the time for a day trip to the region then this place is for you. The tastings are conducted, usually in a group of five or six, in a low-lit basement. You can purchase the bottles you taste (you’ll probably be tempted to buy one or two and they will be cheaper purchased here than elsewhere in the world).
O Chateau
1st Arrondissement; nearest Metro: Etienne Marcel
Perfect for a few nice glasses following an afternoon in the Louvre. A short walk from Paris’s most famous museum, O Chateau is on the edge of the large Les Halles shopping precinct. Laury, the head sommelier, is extremely knowledgeable and is studying to become a Master of Wine. The selection is awesome, with more than 50 wines available by the glass, and O Chateau hosts a range of bespoke tastings (including a Grand Cru tasting for 169 euros if you want to treat yourself). Eighty per cent of the wines are organic, biodynamic and vegan.
Vibe More formal than most of the others bars in this list but no need to dress up unless you really want to. Food is decent, with a range of cheese and charcuterie boards.
Pepites La Cave
6th Arrondissement; nearest Metro: Mabillon
Perfect for escaping from the bustle of the busy Boulevard St Germain. Cosy and you probably need to book if you want to reserve a space in the cellar downstairs. Otherwise find a stool at the upstairs bar and enjoy a glass from a smallish but interesting selection (with an emphasis on the off-beat). You can also buy a bottle to take away. Alsace, Loire and the Jura is strongly represented.
Vibe A mixture of American tourists (not surprising given the location) and knowledgeable locals. Have a glass before moving on to another bar or dinner.
Septime La Cave
11th Arrondissement; nearest Metro: Charonne
Perfect for rounding off a day exploring the underrated 11th arrondissement. Don’t expect a seat though. Septime La Cave is small and was packed when I visited a few years ago. Down the road from Septime, one of the best restaurants in Paris, and would make for a perfect aperitif location if you’re lucky enough to be dining there later.
Vibe It’s well known so plenty of Americans when I was there. The staff are patient. Probably best for when it gets warmer so you can spill on to the street away from the cramped interior. Snack on some small plates and wonder why you’ve never explored the 11th before.
Willi’s Wine Bar
1st Arrondissement; nearest Metro: Bourse
Perfect for a spot of lunch with a glass (but make sure you reserve). A famous and popular wine bar which has been going since 1980. Central location (like O Chateau) so ideal for nipping in after sightseeing. Wine list consists of conventional regions (think Bordeaux, Burgundy, Northern Rhone etc), and a decent enough selection by the glass (including some from Italy).
Vibe Small and bustling. Touristy – not surprising given the location.
Wine Therapy
9th Arrondissement; nearest Metro Cadet
Perfect for a cheeseboard and a chat at the bar or the first drink after getting off Eurostar (it’s not far from the Gare du Nord). There’s a small restaurant upstairs as well. Good selection from Beaujolais, Alsace, Languedoc and Burgundy. For wine by the glass, you taste a couple blind and choose you favourite – a unique approach that adds to the individuality of Wine Therapy. The cheeseboards are great.
Vibe Laid-back and friendly. I had a nice chat with the owner, who speaks good English.
Flight 43 – three champagnes from Dilettantes
Tasted during my latest visit to the grower champagne specialist last week
Champagne Aspasie Blanc de Blancs (48 euros)
Aspasie are based in the village of Brouillet in the Montagne de Reims region of Champagne. Orchard fruit balanced with autolytic notes. Close in style to Ruinart’s NV. Good value for the price as is on a par with plenty of Grandes Marques (the 24 champagne houses that have international brand awareness). Would make a good aperitif. Sacred Spirits sell it in London for £45.
Champagne Perseval-Farge Premier Cru ‘C de Chardonnay’ (55 euros)
Made from grapes grown in the premier cru village of Chamery in Montagne de Reims. 100 per cent chardonnay, the assemblage consists of wine from the 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2008 vintages. Rich and complex with honey, nuts, caramel and brioche. Reminded me a bit of an ageing sherry, but with great retention of acidity for structure. Very broad. Hedonism were selling this for £72 but are now out of stock.
Champagne Andre Heucq ‘Heritage’ (40 euros)
Biodynamic producer from Cuisles in the Marne Valley. 40 per cent chardonnay, 30 per cent meunier and pinot noir. Extra brut and very savoury (perhaps even slightly funky) after 50 per cent oak ageing and 60 months on the lees. The low dosage accentuates the high acidity but it works well.
Saving this for next time I'm in Paris! Thanks for the round up.
Glad you enjoyed the article David! And enjoy your next trip to Paris