Discussing food and wine in French isn’t just about vocabulary - it’s about capturing the rhythm, the passion, and the unspoken rules of French dining culture. Whether you’re at a bistro in Paris or a vineyard in Bordeaux, these tips will help you sound less like a tourist and more like someone who knows their fromage from their vin.
Essential Vocabulary for Food and Wine
La nourriture
/la nu.ʁi.tyʁ/“Food”
Le vin
/lə vɛ̃/“Wine”
Terroir
/tɛ.ʁwaʁ/Phrases to Sound Like a Local
- When complimenting a dish: C’est un régal ! (It’s a treat!) - more enthusiastic than the standard C’est bon.
- When toasting: Santé ! (Health!) or À la vôtre ! (To yours!). Avoid Tchin-tchin - it’s outdated.
- When ordering wine: Quel vin recommandez-vous avec ce plat ? (Which wine do you recommend with this dish?).
Cultural Notes
Avoid rushing meals. The French savour each course, and commenting on the pace (On mange trop vite ici) will mark you as an outsider. For more on navigating French dining etiquette, check out our guide on essential French insults and usage - some phrases come in handy when defending your favourite wine.
Wine-Specific Vocabulary
| French Term | Meaning | Example Use |
|---|---|---|
| Corsé | Full-bodied | Ce vin est bien corsé |
| Tannique | Tannic | Il a des tanins puissants |
| Fruité | Fruity | Des notes fruitées |
Practice Scenarios
Try these dialogues to rehearse:
- Je prendrai le canard, et un verre de Côtes-du-Rhône. (I’ll have the duck, and a glass of Côtes-du-Rhône.)
- Excellent choix. Le canard est accompagné d’une sauce au poivre. (Excellent choice. The duck comes with a pepper sauce.)
