Paris, the city of love, culture, and gastronomy, is renowned for its exquisite wine and cheese. For centuries, the French have celebrated the marriage of these two culinary delights that have become emblematic of the country\’s heritage. Wine and cheese have long been an essential part of French culture. So, when in Paris, exploring the city\’s Wine and Cheese scene becomes a must.

Paris has long been known for producing some of the world\’s best wines, with the country consistently ranking among the top producers of wine globally. The city has an insatiable thirst for wine, and wine bars are abundant throughout Paris. From classic wine bars to trendy and modern ones, there\’s hardly an arrondissement in the city that lacks a good wine bar.

French restaurants offer a wide variety of wines from both small and large vineyards, allowing Parisians and tourists alike to experience different types of wine. Paris also offers wine tours, where visitors can have a private tasting experience with an expert sommelier. In recent years, wine and cheese pairing events have become increasingly popular, where guests can explore different combinations of these two iconic choices.

Like wine, cheese has a rich cultural history in France. The country boasts over 400 varieties of cheese, each with its unique flavors and textures. French cheese connoisseurs will tell you that the region\’s soil and climate affect the cheese\’s quality and flavor, making it one of the most sought-after cheese in the world.

In Paris, several fromageries offer visitors a chance to sample some of France\’s best cheese. One of the most famous is La Fromagerie Schneider, a family-run business that has been around for over a century. The shop stocks over 120 types of cheese, including Camembert, Roquefort, and Brie. Visitors can also watch the cheesemaking process, ensuring a unique and unforgettable experience.

When it comes to wine and cheese pairing, the French have been perfecting the art for centuries. The combination of wine and cheese creates a harmonious balance that enhances the flavors of each, making it the ideal combination for cheese lovers. While there are no fixed rules to wine and cheese pairing, some combinations are better than others.

Strong flavored cheese like Roquefort and blue cheese pair well with sweet wines like Sauternes, while a hearty red wine like Bordeaux complements firm cheeses like Cheddar and Parmesan. The type of cheese will always dictate the type of wine required for perfect pairing, ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience.

Wine and Cheese Tasting events

Paris throws several wine and cheese tasting events all year round. One of the most well-known events is the Salon des Vins de Loire, held every year in February. The event attracts hundreds of visitors from across the world, providing an excellent opportunity to sample some of France\’s best wine and cheese.

In August, the Villers-La-Ville Abbeys organizes a tasting event, where visitors can explore the different flavors of cheese from 20 different producers. The event is a great celebration of cheese, and anyone visiting Paris during the event should add it to their itinerary.

Wine and cheese serving etiquette

The French have a special way of serving wine and cheese. When hosting a meal or an event, it\’s essential to follow some basic etiquette. Cheese should always come last in a meal, served after the main course. Red wine pairs well with cheese, and the glasses should never be full for the perfect aroma of the wine.

Cheese should be served at room temperature to allow it to develop its full flavor, and the cheese should also be placed on different plates, one type per dish. For proper wine tasting, wine glasses should be held by the stem, allowing the wine to aerate correctly.

Wine and cheese preservation

Wine and cheese preservation are essential for anyone who loves to indulge in these two delicacies. Wine bottles should be stored horizontally in a cool place, away from direct sunlight, to prevent the wine from turning into vinegar. Once opened, wine bottles should be consumed within three days, while some wines may last up to a week when refrigerated.

Cheese, on the other hand, should be stored at a consistent temperature of 5 to 8 degrees Celsius, preferably wrapped in waxed paper. This helps to preserve the cheese\’s flavor while preventing it from drying out. Some hard cheeses, like Parmesan, can last up to three months when stored correctly, while others like Brie and Camembert last between 10 and 14 days.

Wine and Cheese consumption in Paris

In recent years, the French have been consuming less wine and cheese, with city dwellers, especially young people, opting for healthier or vegan options. However, wine and cheese still hold a special place in Parisian culture and remain the perfect choice for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.

Paris has established itself as one of the world\’s best wine and cheese scenes, offering a unique experience for anyone interested in these culinary delights. With a wide range of wine bars, fromageries, tasting events, and pairing workshops, wine and cheese have become synonymous with what it means to experience French culture in Paris.