15th Arrondissement
Anyone that knows me knows that I love wine. Specifically, French wine. In fact, the wine is what led me down this path. Getting certified as a French Wine Scholar, through the Wine Scholar Guild, is what prompted me to spend so much time in France. It’s why wine is such an integral part of my travels. Studying about the history of wine in France isn’t unlike taking college courses in geology, history, geography, religion, politics… and I’m sure there’s a few more. But hey, you’re on vacation. Right now it’s time to just show up, sit back and relax, and have a charismatic French Sommelier share some of his favorite wines with you. That’s where The Secret Wine Door comes in. Yes, there is a secret wine door in Paris. I’ve stepped through it several times and it’s one of my favorite things to do in the city.
The name of this charismatic Parisian is Erwan, and he is the proprietor of The Secret Wine Door. This little door is unassumingly located in a residential neighborhood in the 15th arr. Similar to the wardrobe that Lucy and her friends slipped through into the secret world of Narnia, the secret wine door takes you into an amazing world of French wines, their corresponding cheese pairings and a handful of new friends.
Upon entering you will be seated at one of the cute little cafe tables that are set up in a semicircle around the perimeter of the room. The space is small but comfortably fits 15-20 people. There are maps and other wine paraphernalia lining the walls.
I like to arrive early to meet the other participants. It’s always fun to be in a room full of wine loving people from all over the world. There is the option to purchase wine by the glass if you want to sip on something before the tasting starts.
One of the reasons I like to do this experience over and over again is because Erwan always selects really amazing wines and cheeses for the tasting. The first time I ever had Saint-Nectaire cheese was here and I couldn’t believe I’d never had it! For the wines he has poured Premier Cru red and white Burgundies, including some lesser known appellations, red and white Bordeaux, Sancerre and other wines from the Loire Valley.
Erwan spends about an hour talking about the wines and the cheeses as we taste through the lineup (5 wines and 5 cheeses). Once the tasting has concluded you can purchase bottles if you want (you can have wine shipped to the U.S.) or just enjoy lively conversation with newfound friends. This is what I would consider a true “hidden gem” in Paris.
You can see tasting dates and times by clicking here.
You can also check them out on Instagram @secretwinedoor
3 Rue Bouchut,
75015, Paris, France
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