St Estèphe wines, from the northernmost segment of the Médoc region which is north of Bordeaux, are well known by wine connoisseurs. It is a pretty region, ranging along the river, and it is rife with history. These wines are said to be deeper than neighboring Pauillac, perhaps because the ...

Just five years ago, it was hard to come up with a list of best cocktail bars in Paris. But there is a new trend that has driven Parisians more towards cocktails — especially as an apéritif. Here are five of the best Paris cocktail bars to try on your next trip to the City of […]

The concept of Bordeaux wine bars has recently become very fashionable.  This is a great activity to include while visiting the city of Bordeaux, or if you want to enhance your wine tour in Bordeaux. Until recently, those that wished to sample local wines—or wines in general—would do so at ...

When you visit Europe at Christmas, you may be struck by what appears to be a discernible lack of Christmas joy — from an American perspective, at any rate. There is very little Christmas music in supermarkets and restaurants, and while you’ll see twinkle lights nearly everywhere in ...

You may think that dining in France is much like eating out in any country. Walk into a restaurant, ask for a menu, order, eat, pay, leave. And yet if you’re used to American restaurants, there are a few things about the French system that might strike you as odd. Never fear; with this ...

Celebrating Thanksgiving in Paris can seem like a contradiction in terms. And yet whether you’re an expat living in Paris for the long haul or a tourist who doesn’t want to miss out on the traditional festivities, there are a few things you can do to make sure that Turkey Day stays ...

As winter approaches, those of us in the States might be getting ready for warm chicken soup or cinnamon-spiced cider. If you travel to Paris, fondue restaurants should be on your bucket list, especially during the colder months.  That is the time when Parisians enjoy mass quantities of melted ...

French Wine Terms: How to Pronounce Common Terms for Each Wine Region Do you ever find yourself struggling to pronounce certain French words, while at dinner or traveling? In this video we show you how to pronounce French wine terms like a pro, so you’ll never be shy about ordering that ...

When you imagine dining in Paris, do you imagine tuxedoed waiters, wood paneling and mirrored walls? You’re probably thinking of Belle Epoque Paris, and not without good reason – the beginning of the 20th century in Paris was a period characterized by optimism, advancement and prosperity. This ...

Fine dining doesn’t end at the dessert course. If Armagnac or Cognac is being served, your guests have a further treat in store. But have you tried festive French fruit brandy, another range of after dinner drinks, to savor with your coffee? Fruit brandy (often called eaux-de-vie) are colorless ...

Finding the best Paris steak frites has become a minor obsession of ours. France is famous for refined cuisine, for sauces and pastries and dishes that require a specific fork. But the fact remains that some of the most beloved French dishes are the simplest: croque monsieur, oeuf mayo, ...

(Press Release) St. Michaels, October 6, 21014 Luxury wine tour company French Wine Explorers has released the details of their newest small group tour for 2015, Bordeaux Harvest Tour. French Wine Explorers’ intimate and award-winning luxury wine vacations to France are renowned for their ...

There are a variety of wine apps out there to assist wine lovers in their quest for the perfect vino. Do you want to learn more about the wine you drink? Perhaps understand how to match wine with the food you’re eating?  I’m not suggesting you become a wine snob, but having a little knowledge ...

Decant red wine either to aerate a young wine, or to get rid of unwanted sediment in a mature wine. The latter is the more elaborate procedure. It was at a professional wine tasting many years ago that I became aware of the art of wine decanting. A bottle of fine St. Julien wine from […]

Farm to Table Paris & Beyond; 3 Chefs Serving Local Fare With the fall harvest quickly approaching, the menus of top French restaurants are changing to reflect what’s popping up on market stands, at the massive Rungis market outside the capital, and even in certain chefs’ own gardens! Chefs ...

Paris truly is a foodie paradise, home to some of the world’s best chefs, best restaurants, best ingredients, and best desserts. While restaurant pastries are often quite exquisite, be sure that you make some time (and space!) to taste desserts from some of Paris’ best patisseries. While there ...