Wine & Cheese Tastings in Paris

Description Reserve for the next Wine & Cheese Tasting Testimonials

Description		Testimonials
An introduction to French culture through the discovery of the richness of of French cheeses ! Harriet Welty Rochefort is a long-established journalist and writer in Paris. She has written many articles and books about the French (see her site). To help her fellow-Americans better understand France and the French, she organizes tastings. By illustrating the infinite variety of French cheeses and French wines she gives a lively but very informative journey into these two French symbols. Her husband Philippe, a Frenchman (the webmaster of this site) participates and brings a French touch to the tasting. The tasting may be organized for a small or a larger group. "Savour Formula" : For 4 to 8 people, it is very homey, with at least 15 different cheeses and 5 different wines, followed by a salad and a light dessert. These groups are generally a family or friends traveling together, but you can join an existing group if there is room left. Participants enjoy the unique experience of being in a Parisian apartment where they are made to feel comfortable and at home). "Discover Formula" : For 15 to 30 people, on their premises, the formula is different : these groups are generally groups of students and they prefer a smaller choice of 5 to 10 cheeses and 3 to 4 wines. "Theme Formula" : same as "Favour" but with a discussion with Philippe focused on a specific theme such as "Doing business in France" or "French history" "Tailor-made" : for a couple, or for a very large group. Consult us. In all cases the tastings lasts 2 1/2 hours, including an introductory speech by Harriet and a Q&A session. Book for the next Wine & Cheese Tasting Pricing : cost + fee You choose the formula with Harriet and discuss the cost, which depends on the number of cheeses and the quality of the wines: consult her. If you wish, you can shop with Harriet. Examples (per person) : "Savour" : Fee Euros 50 + cost Euro 18 "Discover" : Fee Euro 20 + cost Euro 10 "Theme" : Fee Euro 70 + cost Euro 18		"This woman literally wrote the book (two, actually) on the French, delving deep into their eating habits and their fascination with cheese. Born in Iowa, she married a Frenchman and never went home. She now gives what she calls "Cheese Chats" at her home in Eastern Paris. The chats are an intimate look at what goes into making cheese and where each comes from, but the proof is in the pudding. Welty Rochefort serves a large variety of cheese, each with a home-made card that explains its origin, while sharing what she knows about them and what she knows about the French. "I like to serve this one in front of people," she says starting off the tasting by scooping out a spoonful of cancoillotte from a plastic tub. This cow's milk cheese from the eastern part of France is gooey, she pours it off the spoon onto a hunk of a baguette. Later to illustrate the difference aging cheese can make, she serves up a older and younger Comté, a cow's milk cheese. The young one is soft with a fruity flavor and its older brother has an earthier note. The course goes by quickly and its informal nature makes you forget you're learning." (Joe Ray in the Santa Fe New Mexican, 2007) "Guided by Harriet we shopped for interesting, seasonal cheeses, ripened to their moment of perfection and difficult to find in the U.S. The assortment represents France's rich bounty and included a Perail des Cabasses (sheep in the Aveyron), Mont d'or (cow in the Jura) and Paupinette fermier (goat from Charentes). What followed was an extraordinary lunch at Harriet and Philippe's home, where each cheese was presented with a carefully chosen wine. The afternoon was instructive and memorable because of the marvelous meal and our charming, informed hosts." (Patricia Hanrahan, Washington, D.C.) "Thank you for the Wine & Cheese Tasting. It was the highlight of Gary's trip and it was one of the most enjoyable things I've done in the nearly two years I've been in France. You're truly gracious hosts and lovely people, as well as engaging conversationalists . What a memorable afternoon it was." (Randy Lemmerman, Paris, France) "Fantastique! What a wonderful and intimate way to learn about cheese and wine ! Your tasting and discussion was the highlight of our recent trip to Paris! Our group learned an appreciation of wine and cheese pairings along with an overview of the locations where they were made. Our afternoon was filled with great food, wine, stories and laughter. You both made our group feel comfortable in your home. I'm already trying out my "fromager" skills in the local cheese market... thanks to you I'm now a confirmed Goat Cheese addict! Your course is a "must do" travel trip for those looking for an authentic French experience! Thank you for your hospitality and knowledge. "Jusqu'à notre prochaine rencontre... until we meet again." (Kim Jackson, Boston, MS.) "The time that the Robinson gathering spent with you will be the most talked about of the trip. Certainly the wine and cheese was fantastic! You both went to extreme with the number, variety and quality of the cheese but two other wonderful things happened : we gained an understanding of the French people and we met one the nicest Frenchmen with a most lovely American bride who is French. I read a good portion of one of your books and it reinforced what you discussed during the tasting. There is much in the French culture to learn and emulate. Thank you so much for opening your home... you and Philippe did a wonderful thing for us." (Gene and Lois Robinson, Birmingham, AL.).
To related pages : intercultural differences, wine, cheese,tips on food, French attitudes, more about the webmaster, etc...

To table of contents To top of the page  Back to home page	Harriet Welty Rochefort writes articles and books about France and the French. Order her books : "Joie de Vivre", Secrets of Wining, Dining and Romancing like the French, St.Martin's Press, New York, 2012 "French Toast, An American in Paris Celebrates The Maddening Mysteries of the French", St.Martin's Press, New York, 1999 "French Fried, The Culinary Capers of An American in Paris", St.Martin's Press, New York, 2001	Harriet and Philippe also give speeches on Franco-American intercultural differences. Read more about it.
To email me	More on Harriet's books (excerpts, upcoming events, testimonials, etc..)