5 Easy French Wine Phrases Every Traveller Should Know
There’s something extra magical about sipping wine in France, whether at a charming cafe in Paris, at a château winery in Bordeaux, or on the beach in Provence. But let’s be honest, ordering wine in French can feel intimidating when you don’t know the words.
The good news? You don’t need to be fluent to enjoy a glass (or two). With just a handful of easy French wine phrases, you’ll be able to order confidently, impress your friends, and connect with locals along the way.
Here are five simple ones to keep in your back pocket on your next wine trip to France.
1. “Un verre de vin, s’il vous plaît.”
(A glass of wine, please.)
The ultimate phrase you’ll use again and again. Swap out un verre (a glass) for une bouteille (a bottle) if you’re feeling generous.
2. “Rouge, blanc, ou rosé?”
(Red, white, or rosé?)
If you only remember one trio of words, make it this one. French servers may ask you this directly, so being able to respond makes you look (and feel) more confident.
3. “Quel vin recommandez-vous?”
(Which wine do you recommend?)
When in doubt, let the expert guide you. This phrase works wonders at a tasting room or local restaurant—and usually leads to the best discoveries.
4. “Santé!”
(Cheers!)
Short, simple, and oh-so-necessary. Nothing brings people together quite like clinking glasses and saying santé with new friends.
5. “C’est délicieux.”
(It’s delicious.)
French winemakers take pride in their craft. Complimenting their wine with this easy phrase will earn you instant smiles.
Bonus: Practice Makes Perfect 🥂
Don’t worry if your accent isn’t perfect—locals will appreciate the effort. Half the fun of travelling (and wine tasting) is trying new things, and these phrases are an easy way to feel a little more at home in France.
So next time you’re in a vineyard in Provence or a café in Bordeaux, give these a try.
