Cheese and wine in Montmartre, done right. This tasting is set inside a calm, stone-walled Paris space, led by Max with pairings that actually make sense. You get a friendly, local-feeling evening that stays away from the big, noisy tourist routes.

I love two things right away: you sample 8 French cheeses and 5 French wines (including one sparkling), and the host keeps it clear and fun instead of stuffy. You’ll also learn the why behind the flavors, from cheesemaking choices to pairing logic, plus lots of time for questions.

One thing to consider is that this is a real tasting, not a light snack. If you do not drink wine or you are not a cheese person, the format may feel like a lot for 2 hours, especially with generous portions.

Key things I’d pay attention to

• Stone-walled, intimate setting that keeps the focus on the tasting, not the crowd.
• 8 cheese tastings matched with 5 wine pours, including a sparkling option.
• Max’s explanations stay practical, with stories and pairing guidance you can use right away.
• Small-group vibe that feels relaxed and personal rather than rushed.
• Plenty of sampling volume, enough that your palate learns quickly, not just teases you.

Finding the green wooden door at 98 Rue Marcadet

Your first job is simple: show up at 98 Rue Marcadet, 75018 Paris. The front store is green and made of wood, which makes it easier than hunting for a tiny sign on a busy street.

This matters more than you might think. When you’re doing a food-and-wine tasting, you want a smooth start, not a stress spiral. If you arrive a few minutes early, you can get settled, meet your group, and be ready for the first cheese before you start feeling rushed.

Also, since this is in Montmartre’s general area, plan your route with normal Paris realities in mind, like cobblestones and hills. Wear shoes you can walk in comfortably, because the “getting there” part is part of the day’s vibe.

Two hours of cheese and wine, paced like a good conversation

This experience runs 2 hours. That timeframe is long enough to taste through multiple cheeses and multiple wines, yet short enough that you do not lose the thread. You stay in one intimate space with stone walls, so you are not spending the day zigzagging across Paris.

The host is English-speaking, and the tone stays friendly. From the way the tasting is described, you should expect a guided flow where each cheese has a moment, then each wine has a job in the pairing. Water is included, which is a smart touch because wine and cheese add up fast.

Small-group matters here. When it’s a smaller room, questions get answered, and you can actually compare notes with the people around you. In practical terms, that means you learn faster. You also tend to leave with fewer “wait, what was that one again?” moments.

A final timing tip: if you’re doing this early in your trip, you’ll have better odds of turning the pairing lessons into choices for your later meals in Paris.

The 8 French cheeses: how to taste beyond just liking or disliking

You’ll taste 8 French cheeses. That number is a sweet spot. It is enough to show variety across styles and regions, but it is not so many that you feel like you’re racing.

What you should focus on during the tasting is not just flavor, but texture and progression. Each cheese has its own character, and the pairing changes how you experience it. When the wine hits the palate right after a cheese, you start noticing whether the wine brings out creaminess, saltiness, sweetness, or a sharper edge.

The experience also includes the secrets behind the art of French cheesemaking. That is valuable because it moves the conversation past taste-only opinions. You learn why certain cheeses behave the way they do, and you get pairing logic you can reuse when you’re shopping later or eating in a French bistro.

If you’re curious, ask questions while you’re there. The host structure seems designed for interaction, not silent tasting. And because you get multiple cheeses, you can compare answers across different styles and come away with a clearer idea of what you personally like.

One practical note from the overall vibe: this is not “a couple bites.” It’s a proper tasting with enough cheese that you really feel the differences.

The 5 wine pairings, including the sparkling pour

You’ll sip 5 French wines, and at least one of them is sparkling. That is a great inclusion because bubbles tend to reset the palate between stronger flavors. In a tasting that includes 8 cheeses, palate reset is not a luxury, it is the difference between enjoying the later samples and getting numb to everything.

The pairing approach here is described as careful and designed to highlight each cheese’s flavor. That means you are not just drinking wine next to cheese, you’re tasting a planned relationship. When it works, you notice the cheese tasting different than it did by itself.

You might also encounter natural wine at some point. One person shared that the selection included natural wine, and that it can be unpredictable, which is part of the appeal for some wine lovers. If you prefer very predictable flavors, still know that natural wine is often a bit more “alive” and can show differences from pour to pour.

And here’s a useful takeaway to keep in your pocket: one participant walked away thinking about a specific pairing rule, that red wine can be tricky with some cheeses. You do not have to follow that exact rule forever, but you should take the mindset. Pairing matters. If something tastes off, it’s usually the combination, not your taste buds.

Why Max’s hosting style changes the whole tasting

Max is the kind of host people talk about for a reason. The descriptions of his approach all point to the same outcome: the room stays engaged. He’s funny without turning the tasting into a joke, and he’s informative in a way that stays easy to follow.

A big practical win is that he takes time. People mention that explanations are detailed but still understandable, and that he answers questions. In other words, you are not just tasting and leaving, you’re learning how to taste.

You’ll also likely get regional context. One person mentioned a map used to show where cheeses come from, which helps you stop seeing cheese as random product and start seeing it as tied to geography, traditions, and production choices.

Plus, there’s a social side. If you’re traveling solo, a small group with an energetic host often turns into an easy chat. One review vibe described the group leaving as friends, and that’s exactly what you want from Paris food experiences. You want connection, not just consumption.

Finally, Max shares Paris tips beyond the tasting. That’s not guaranteed for everyone, but it comes up repeatedly, which suggests it’s part of his hosting style. If you ask for suggestions, you may get ideas for where to eat and drink after you’re done.

Price and value: does $70 make sense for 2 hours?

$70 per person sounds like a splurge until you break down what you actually get.

You receive:

• 8 French cheeses
• 5 French wines (including sparkling)
• fresh water
• guided instruction in English

So you are not paying for one tasting board. You are paying for a structured experience where someone brings together product, pairing decisions, and an educational guide who stays engaged for the full 2 hours. In Paris, cheese counters and wine shops are not cheap, and tastings at shops often come in smaller, more limited servings.

The value also comes from the small-group element. You get more attention than you would in a large workshop, and that tends to make the experience feel more efficient. You learn more, ask more questions, and notice more differences.

Portions matter too. People describe the cheese and wine as generous. If the tasting is generous, then your $70 buys more than a sip and a nibble. It becomes a full, memorable afternoon meal substitute.

The main value risk is personal. If you dislike cheese or you do not want wine, the format is still built around cheese and wine. In that case, even a good value price can feel wasted.

Who should book this Montmartre cheese and wine tasting

This fits best if you:

• love French food and want a structured way to understand it
• enjoy wine but want pairing guidance instead of guesswork
• like social, small-group activities where you can ask questions
• want a Paris experience that feels local and calm, not a rushed checklist

It also works for couples and friends. The vibe is friendly, and the host seems to create rapport across the group, which is ideal if you’re not traveling with a built-in food buddy.

You might want to think twice if:

• you strongly dislike cheese
• you drink little or not at all and you do not want to be in a wine-centered setting
• you’re looking for a hands-on cooking class, because this is a tasting experience with explanations, not a full kitchen workshop

One more timing thought: if you can, schedule it early in your trip. You’ll get pairing ideas you can use when choosing cheese and wine later, and you may also get practical Paris recommendations from the host.

Final call: book it or pass

I’d book this if you want a high-quality, guided way to taste real French cheese and understand why it pairs the way it does. The combination of 8 cheeses, 5 wines, and a host like Max who keeps the room engaged is exactly the kind of Paris activity that becomes a highlight.

Pass if you are indifferent to cheese or wine, or if you know you prefer lighter, non-alcohol experiences. For most food lovers, though, this is strong value for a relaxed afternoon, and it teaches you more than just what to like.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

Head to 98 Rue Marcadet, 75018 Paris. The front store is green and made of wood.

How long is the cheese and wine tasting?

The experience lasts 2 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $70 per person.

What food and drink are included?

You get 8 French cheeses, 5 French wines (including one sparkling), and fresh water.

Is the tasting guided in English?

Yes. The instructor is English.

Is this a small-group experience?

Yes. It’s described as a small-group tasting.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible.

Is cancellation free if plans change?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do I have to pay in full right away?

No. You can reserve now & pay later, keeping plans flexible by booking without paying today.

What should I expect during the tasting?

Expect a guided tasting in an intimate, stone-walled space where you learn about French cheesemaking and wine pairing secrets while sampling the cheeses and wines.