How to order a glass of wine in French

Ordering wine in French can be a delightful experience, especially when you know the right phrases. Whether you're at a cozy Parisian bistro or a chic wine bar, these tips will help you confidently request your favorite vintage.

Basic Phrases for Ordering Wine

Here are some essential expressions to get you started:

1. "Je voudrais un verre de vin, s'il vous plaît." (I would like a glass of wine, please.)
2. "Avez-vous une carte des vins?" (Do you have a wine list?)
3. "Quel vin recommandez-vous?" (Which wine do you recommend?)
4. "Je prendrai un verre de..." (I'll have a glass of...)
5. "Pouvez-vous me conseiller un bon vin?" (Can you recommend a good wine?)
6. "Je préfère un vin rouge/blanc/rosé." (I prefer a red/white/rosé wine.)
7. "Quel est votre vin du mois?" (What is your wine of the month?)
8. "Un verre de vin maison, s'il vous plaît." (A glass of house wine, please.)

Specifying Wine Types

When ordering specific types of wine, use these phrases:

• "Un verre de Bordeaux, s'il vous plaît."
• "Je voudrais un Chardonnay."
• "Avez-vous un bon Pinot Noir?"
• "Un Sauvignon Blanc, s'il vous plaît."
• "Je prendrai un verre de Côtes du Rhône."
• "Pouvez-vous me recommander un bon Champagne?"
• "Un verre de rosé de Provence, s'il vous plaît."
• "Avez-vous un Beaujolais nouveau?"

Glass Sizes

In France, wine is typically served in different sizes:

• "Un verre" (a standard glass, usually 12-15 cl)
• "Un ballon" (a larger, rounded glass, often for red wine)
• "Une flûte" (a flute, typically for Champagne or sparkling wine)
• "Un pichet" (a small pitcher, usually 25 or 50 cl)

Example: "Je voudrais un ballon de vin rouge, s'il vous plaît."

Useful Adjectives for Describing Wine

When discussing wine preferences, these adjectives can be helpful:

1. Sec (dry)
2. Doux (sweet)
3. Fruité (fruity)
4. Corsé (full-bodied)
5. Léger (light)
6. Pétillant (sparkling)
7. Tannique (tannic)
8. Boisé (oaky)

Example: "Je préfère un vin blanc sec et fruité."

Polite Expressions

Remember to use these polite expressions when ordering:

• "S'il vous plaît" (Please)
• "Merci beaucoup" (Thank you very much)
• "C'est parfait" (That's perfect)
• "À votre santé!" (Cheers! Literally, "To your health!")

Additional Tips

• If you're unsure about pronunciation, pointing to the wine on the menu is perfectly acceptable.
• Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations or explanations about unfamiliar wines.
• In France, it's common to sip and savor wine slowly, often pairing it with food.

By using these phrases and tips, you'll be able to order wine in French with confidence and enjoy the rich wine culture France has to offer. Santé!