How to Drink Like a Parisian
Parisian Wine Etiquette: How to Drink Like a Local
Paris, the city of lights, love, and... wine. Lots of wine. But here’s the thing: if you think drinking wine in Paris is as simple as uncorking a bottle and saying “cheers,” you might be in for a gentle cultural surprise. In the French capital, wine isn’t just a drink—it’s practically a second language, a national pastime, and, for some, a mild competitive sport.
Parisians don’t just drink wine—they experience it. It’s a ritual, a conversation starter, and sometimes even a personality trait. But don’t worry: you don’t need a beret, a philosophy degree, or a deep knowledge of Burgundy vintages to join the fun.
In this article, we will walk you through the essential aspects of drinking wine like a true Parisian—from selecting the right bottle and sipping at the right rhythm, to avoiding the dreaded social faux pas. Think of this as your roadmap to the refined, occasionally dramatic, but always delightful world of Parisian wine etiquette. “So, fake it untill you make it, Santé !”
Wine is a Meal’s Best Friend—Not Just an Afterthought
If you think of wine as something you sip while making pasta or binge-watching Netflix, the Parisian way might surprise you. In Paris, wine is not a sidekick to the meal—it’s a full-fledged member of the dining team. Whether you are at a cozy brasserie or a three-star restaurant, wine is expected to show up, dressed to impress.
Parisians don’t drink wine to get buzzed—they drink it to savour it. A meal without wine feels incomplete, a bit like a croissant without butter. It’s customary to order wine for the entire table, sharing a bottle among friends, colleagues, or even total strangers at a lively dinner party. And no, even at a casual café, it’s not weird to enjoy a glass with your steak frites or your croque-monsieur. Actually, it’s expected.
One rule to remember: slow down. Parisians take their time. You don’t chug wine—you appreciate it, sip by sip, ideally while gesturing with your hands and discussing politics or the latest existential crisis.
Choosing the Right Wine (Without Panicking)
Facing a French wine list can feel a bit like being handed a menu in ancient Greek. But don’t panic—the Parisians don’t expect you to be a sommelier. They just expect you to try.
First, look at the region. French wines are often listed by where they come from: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Loire, Rhône, Alsace… and the golden rule is simple: local wine pairs well with local food.
Eating seafood? A crisp white like Sancerre or Chablis is your friend.
Got a hearty boeuf bourguignon in front of you? Time to call in a bold Burgundy or Bordeaux.
Duck confit? Hello, Madiran or Cahors.
And if you are still not sure? Ask the waiter or sommelier. In Paris, they love talking about wine. Just nod thoughtfully when they mention "terroir," and you will be fine.
Glass Matters: It’s All in the Shape
In France, even the wine glass has an opinion. While it’s totally acceptable to drink wine from whatever clean glass you’ve got at home, in a more formal setting, glassware etiquette comes into play.
White wine: served in a smaller glass to preserve those lovely floral aromas.
Red wine: larger, rounder glasses to allow it to "breathe" (yes, wine needs to breathe too).
You don’t need to invest in a crystal set—just know that in Paris, the shape of the glass is part of the whole experience. It’s not snobbery—it’s tradition. Okay, maybe slightly snobby tradition.
How to Pour Wine Like a Parisian (and Not a Tourist)
Wine pouring is a subtle dance in Paris. Here’s how to do it right:
Hold the bottle by the base, not the neck. Think elegance, not water pitcher.
Pour a small amount—just enough to enjoy a few sips. No Parisian fills their glass to the top unless they have truly given up.
If you ordered the bottle at a restaurant, you will be offered a tiny taste. Give it a sniff, a swirl, a sip, and if it doesn’t smell like vinegar or wet dog, nod politely. Voilà!
At home, the host pours first—for themselves, then clockwise around the table. It’s a small touch, but it shows you’re a considerate host... or at least that you read this article.
Toasting, Talking, and Tasting: The Social Side of Wine
Parisians don’t drink wine in silence. It’s a social lubricant, a conversation starter, and often the glue of a good meal.
When it’s time to toast, look your companions in the eye and say “Santé !” (health). It’s not just polite—it’s mandatory. Skipping eye contact is said to bring bad luck. Or worse... bad wine.
Don’t gulp. Sip. Talk. Laugh. Argue (passionately but politely). Then sip again. Wine accompanies conversation—it doesn’t interrupt it.
And if someone asks you what you think of the wine, don’t panic. A simple “Il est très bon” (it’s very good) works wonders. Want to impress? Mention the aroma or the finish. Just don’t launch into a monologue about tannins unless you know what they are.
Never Overindulge: The Parisian Rule of Moderation
Parisians may love their wine, but they’re not into excess. Drinking too much? That’s seen as sloppy, not sophisticated. The goal isn’t to get drunk—it’s to enjoy the moment, the meal, and the company.
You’ll rarely see a Parisian downing their third glass in 10 minutes. Instead, they nurse one or two glasses through the whole meal. Consider it more of a slow romance than a quick fling.
Storing Wine at Home: Respect the Bottle
If you are stocking up at a local wine shop (or just hoarding bottles from your last trip to Provence), storage matters.
Keep your wine in a cool, dark place, away from sunlight and wild temperature swings.
Store bottles horizontally, so the cork stays moist and doesn’t dry out.
If you are fancy (or aspire to be), a small wine fridge can do wonders.
Parisians may not all have wine cellars, but they do treat their bottles with a certain reverence—like tiny, corked members of the family.
Pairing Food and Wine: Keep It Simple, Keep It French
Yes, the French take food-and-wine pairing seriously—but not obsessively. The idea isn’t to make it complicated, but to find harmony.
Red meats? Go bold—think Bordeaux or Rhône.
Poultry or creamy dishes? Try a light Burgundy or Beaujolais.
Vegetarian? Rosé from Provence plays nice with almost everything.
The golden rule: wine should enhance the dish, not overpower it. Let them waltz, not wrestle.
In Conclusion: Savor the Moment, the Parisian Way
To drink wine like a Parisian is to do more than just pour and sip—it’s to participate in a quiet, daily celebration of life. It’s about tasting the wine, but also tasting the moment. Whether you’re in a Michelin-starred dining room or perched on a café terrace with a baguette and a glass of red, the rules are the same: go slow, drink thoughtfully, and enjoy the company around you.
You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need to pretend you can detect “notes of wet forest floor.” You just need to be present, polite, and a little curious.
So go ahead—raise your glass, say “santé”, and drink like a Parisian. Just don’t ask for ice in your wine. Really. Don’t.
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French Food and Wine Pairing: Mastering the Art
