How to enjoy Paris like a local

Depending on your time and budget, some of Paris's better cavistes offer wine experiences that range from a free tasting, an afternoon class or evening "wine concert," to a blowout three-star meal with pairings. They're a great way to enjoy fine wines and learn something too.

Legrand Filles et Fils' online calendar offers regional discovery classes (Bordeaux, Champagne, Cognac, etc.), courses on the joys of wine and cheese pairing, and a series of two-hour tastings with titles like "Small Regions, Big Wines" or "Pierce the Secrets of Wine." One Thursday a month you can listen to music while tasting wines from the vigneron du jour.

Stylish new Caves du Louvre, set in the old royal cellars, offers a series of bilingual wine events every day of the week for all levels of appreciation, plus a winemaking class to create your very own cuvée to take home and wow your friends.