8 of the best wine shops in Paris

To many, wine is an elegant accompaniment to a meal, a side beverage to complement the medley of flavors. To the French, however, wine is an art and, to put it simply, a way of life. Coming a close second after Italy, France is the world’s second-biggest wine producer in the world.

Up until the 20th century, it was difficult to find clean water in French cities. Back then, wine was even viewed as a safer drinking choice as compared to water. Wine was also believed to have beneficial qualities, and was often given to young children to help with their growth. It was even distributed in school cafeterias—until it was banned for children under the age of 14 in 1956, followed by a complete alcohol school ban in 1981.

In recent times, Paris has often been referred to as the wine capital of the world. According to a study by France's INSEEC Business School, Paris is the leading wine consumer in the world. In 2019, the government launched a nationwide campaign to encourage the French to cut down on their wine consumption. Imagine that!

The French have immense love and respect for their wine. Naturally, French wine-drinking etiquette is in a league of its own. For example, you have to wait for everyone at your table to be served before sipping your own glass of wine. It’s also customary to gaze into the eyes of the person you’re clinking glasses with. The French usually don’t start drinking any wine until dinnertime, which is at 7.30 p.m. or 8.30 p.m. Wine is usually served with a meal—not before or after.

Here, drinking wine is primarily a social activity, with most French being particular about food pairings as well. It’s also considered a cultural faux pas to leave lipstick marks on your wine glass so ladies, do have that napkin on standby.

Don’t miss out on some of the best wines the next time you’re in Paris. Here are 8 of the best wine shops in Paris to pick up a bottle or two.

Don’t know where to start? Make a beeline for Lavinia, said to be the city’s largest wine shop carrying more than 6,500 wine labels over three floors. You’ll find wines suitable for any budget—pick up a bottle for under $11, or splash out on the drink of a lifetime at $21,000 a pop.

You won’t find just French wines here; pick from New and Old World wines that are sourced from all around the globe. Lavinia is also tourist-friendly and is manned by multilingual staff that are happy to offer a recommendation or two.

One of the most popular things to do in Paris would be to spend an afternoon at Jardin de Luxembourg, where you can people-watch while having a picnic. Before you go, pop by La Cave du Sénat – Duval & Blanchet, a hidden gem next to the gardens, to grab a bottle or two.

The shop has a curated collection of over 300 wines, with special care devoted to those from local producers. Attend the (free!) tasting session on Saturdays to sample some of their offerings before buying a few bottles to bring home.

Found in the heart of Paris’ historical center, L’Etiquette is known for its selection of natural wines from small French winemakers. For the uninitiated, natural wine is produced using traditional methods, without the use of any pesticides or additives.

The shop is a treasure trove of unique blends that aren’t found anywhere else; the real find, however, is the knowledgeable winemaster manning the shop, who also conducts a one-hour wine tasting session daily.

La Cave des Papilles stands out with its strong 20-year history and range of wine—80% organic wines and 20% traditional wines. The owner has a particular fondness for independent French wine growers and takes pride in what’s stocked at his store. It’s said that he has built a great rapport with every supplier and only chooses the best of the best.

Once a month, the shop holds a tasting held by a different winemaker. It’s a great way to spend a couple of hours; the tasting is usually held in French, but there are English-speaking staff on hand if you need help.

If you’ve been around Paris, chances are you’ve passed by a Les Caves Nysa outlet. Boasting 23 boutiques all across the city, Nysa was founded by a group of young wine enthusiasts in 2006. They had one mission: to make quality wine available for like-minded wine lovers on any budget.

Attend one of their (free!) wine-tasting sessions, where you’ll get to taste a variety of their wines. The shop is run by staff who have a wealth of knowledge; ask for food-pairing tips or the history behind your favorite wine.

You won’t go wrong at Legrand Filles et Fils, affectionately known as the “granddaddy” of all Parisian wine retailers. Set up in 1880, the shop has evolved from a gourmet grocery store to one of the city’s best wine haunts. It now showcases wines from over 370 winemakers in the world, with more than 3,000 bottles lining its shelves.

A visit to Legrand Filles et Fils is an experience in itself—take in the polished wooden decor, stock up on wines, pick up some glasses and decanters, as well as pantry essentials such as gourmet olive oils and vinegar. Make a stop at the restaurant, where you can have a taste of the wine on the spot.

We’re often told to stay away from establishments located too close to tourist attractions; however, Le Garde Robe is an exception. Nestled just a stone’s throw away from the Louvre, it’s a popular wine hangout in Paris. Comprising a cozy wine bar and shop, it has a small yet top-notch wine selection that’s frequently on rotation; you never know what you’d find on each visit.

It’s not uncommon to find locals and tourists sharing tables at this humble joint, which often gets crowded—especially on the weekends.

To sample great French food and wine, make a reservation at L’epidon. A family-run restaurant that embraces the farm-to-table philosophy, L’epidon also entices with a range of organic wines. What’s special about their wines is that they hail from various French wine-producing regions and are often produced by small winemakers.

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