Five Top Wine Retailers of Paris

Mention Paris to any potential tourist to France and it won’t be long before the word wine comes into the conversation. However despite the romance, Paris as a retail trader of wine is often ignored in comparison to London, New York or Hong Kong. It rather ably demonstrates the post-war shift of power from the power of the producer to the power of the market. However maybe, just maybe, Paris is waking up to working its reputation for wine to become a real centre of wine retailing. The Paris Wine Cup takes a look at a few outlets that are coming to the fore.

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Not since wine aficionado and expert Steven Spurrier MW’s opening of Caves de la Madeleine in Paris and the subsequent ‘Judgement of Paris’ in the 1970’s has the French capital seen such a vibrant scene erupting.

Soif d’Ailleurs

This phrase in French means Wanderlust and describes the range and approach excellently.

The notion of the outlet embodies that well-worn story of the traveler who has been to somewhere previously unseen that produces great wines, whereupon they then enthuse endlessly about them. Of course, it is an unfulfilled tale, as the availability of these wines for us in the travellers, the domestic setting is nil. So we are never given the opportunity to enjoy (or otherwise) our intrepid voyagers’ finds.

For founder Mathieu Wehrung the idea of the French only range ‘c’est fini’.

At ‘Soif’ you will find wonders from Canada, Chile, New Zealand, Germany, England even! You’ll find varieties aplenty, only a few known in French production circles.

Legrand Filles et Fils

No mention of Parisien wine retailing can be without this historic trader. Starting out in the late nineteenth century showcasing and retailing foods from all corners of the globe, the outlet was taken over by the Legrand brothers in the early part of the 20century. Pierre Legrand’s eldest son, Lucien carried forward his father’s love of wine and discovered famous producers such as Rousseau, Dauvissat, Trévallon, and Sélousse.

The shop became a legend for artists of all genres to meet and discuss… whatever with a glass of wine.

Whilst the selection is clearly dominated by the French classics, there are the telling ‘New World’ classics of Penfolds, Ridge and other selected specialties from various corners of the world.

Lavinia

Billed as Paris’ biggest wine shop and located in the beating heart of the city between Opéra and Madeleine. It has an impressive 3 floors showcasing 6,500 different wines from over 30 different countries. Whilst, no doubt, catering for the more wealthy of clientele with wines at €20,000 there are those at €5.

Included inside is a tasting tower, where 3cl samples can be taken and tasted for relatively small charges.

Whilst again dominated by the French classics, there is also a good range of the prestigious international wines.

There is also a wine bar offering 180 wines by the glass, which are served at shop prices. The sommelier serving will also chill your bottle for you within a lightning quick 5-10 minutes. If you do not finish then the wine will be re-packed in a good bag.

La Grande Epicerie Paris

The neat and well-formed range of Le Bon Marche group provides an easy selection for those that don’t want to peruse thousands of wines but merely want to select something good. This predominately French range has also good vinous brands from South Africa, Spain, United States, Hungary, Italy, and New Zealand.

There is a balanced selection from the classic regions, which also features the emerging Languedoc Roussillon, South West, Provence, Alsace, and Jura.

La Dernière Goutte

Paris does have a great tradition of Cavistes, traditional wine merchants, who have their own sources of supply and are often they are open on Sundays, but closed on Mondays.

La Dernière Goutte is one such, which captures the air of tradition that goes with the Parisienne, French wine culture, together with a modern approach that embraces new wines and ways of selling wine. For 30 years this shop has been offering estate bottled wines from the 6th Arrondissement. Interestingly they offer wine classes in French and English. Every Friday night you can take advantage of free wine tastings often with the winemakers themselves.

Although classic Parisien retail, it has a real cave-like environment that creates a comfortable wine shop feel.

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Paris Wine Cup will be assessed and judged by a leading panel of top-level wine buyers with current direct commercial buying responsibility. Or wine consultants and experts who are also directly involved in the development of new wine brands or buying wine for commercial resale.

Put your wines in front of them and get rated by Value, Quality, and Package.  

PWC Entry Process & Fees

Deadline For Submission Is Approaching Fast.

Leading wine brands from around the world now have an opportunity to grow their business and gain the attention of wine buyers, wine directors and influencers globally via the Beverage Trade Network Community.

Submit your wines in the Paris Wine Cup.