Tanisha Townsend, a native Chicagoan, is a wine expert in Paris. On this week’s podcast episode she talks about wine, her life as a connoisseur, and what to expect on one of her wine tasting tours.
You can listen to the chat below. And we couldn’t let Tanisha leave the studio without sharing her top tips and recommending five great wine bars to visit in Paris. Listen and enjoy!
1) Freddy’s
Tanisha declares this place to be “fantastic” and it’s easy to see why. Nestled on the picturesque Rue de Seine and mere steps from Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this wine bar promises excellent quality food and wine in a charmingly rustic setting. Address: 54 Rue de Seine, 75006
2) La Bascule
Situated halfway up the Butte Montmartre, La Bascule, according to Tanisha, “looks a little dive-y, but their wine selection is amazing.” This is an authentic Montmartre spot with an excellent happy hour and even better tapas. Why not pop in after doing one of our Montmartre walking tours? Address: 24 Rue Durantin, 75018
3) Les Avant Comptoirs
This trio of wine bars in the 6th arrondissement is famous and celebrated. Tanisha prefers the one located in the covered Saint-Germain market – L’Avant Comptoir du Marché – thanks to its substantial seating area and the butter offered. Yes, you read that correctly, these wine bars offer customers butter and pickles on a ‘self-service’ basis! Address: 14 Rue Lobineau, 75006
4) Au Tour du Vin
Tanisha recommends this wine shop/bar in the 9th arrondissement as a good place for locals and travellers alike. Located mere minutes from the Gare du Nord, this is your spot for one last glass before jumping on the Eurostar to London. In fact, why not buy a bottle, recommended by the knowledgable shop owner, and keep the tasting going? Address: 50 Rue de Maubeuge, 75009
5) Juicy Cave à Manger
The lively Canal Saint-Martin is packed full of trendy wine bars, but Tanisha is especially drawn to this new addition to the neighbourhood. Come for the curated natural wine selection, but stay for the delicious small plates and the jolly setting. Address: 14 Rue Jean et Marie Moinon, 75010
Want more from Tanisha? Here’s the last time she joined us on The Earful Tower for a blind wine-tasting session.
That’s all for now, folks! Don’t forget to swing by at least one of these places on your next visit to Paris. And why not let Tanisha share her inexhaustible wine wisdom with you? You can find her at Girl Meets Glass.
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