Parisian cavistes share their passion

La Cave de L'Insolite, photo: W.A. Dudley

Caves Marcel Bossetti This fellow stocks a vast array of wines from Burgundy to Côte du Rhône, along with a cabinet full of the Chartreuse liqueur! Why? Because they're his favorites! And he'd love to tell you about them. Reasonable prices and free tastings make it a pleasure to get acquainted with these intriguing wines. You'll be sure to encounter varietals and appellations that diverge from the norm. For example, rare varietals césar and St-Bris sauvignon blanc from Burgundy's Yonne region. Mon to Sat. 10am to 1:15pm & 14:30-19:15pm, 34 rue des Archives, 4e, Mº Hôtel de Ville, tel: 01 48 04 07 77. http://www.caves-bosetti.fr 

Crémerie Caves Miard  Let Pierre and Stéphane tell you why they keep their charming 1880 boutique stocked with great French wines that are low in sulfur, and fantastic rare Italian cheeses and charcuterie to go with them  You will hear about their fervent passion for buying directly from small producers who use organic agriculture, and find out who the friends and foes of the vins naturels are.  All French regions are represented, with an emphasis on Loire and Burgundy. Mon-Sat. 10am to 10pm, 9 rue des Quatre-Vents, 6e, Mº Odéon, tel: 01 43 29 11 62. (Call to reserve a table!  Tel: 01 43 54 99 30)

La Cave de l'insolite This bright, naturally-lit "Cellar of the unusual" lives up to its name. It is beautiful to behold and contains artifacts from vineyards, gigantic fossils, and Japanese artwork! Sommelier Michel Moulherat chooses with care wines vinified with the style, varietals, and tradition of their terroir. For instance, he would not sell you Languedoc wines made from Bordelais grapes, but rather from regional varietals. Take the time to ask about the Cave's fascinating display of wines and further wonders of the world.  You will be rewarded with a rare combination of sincerity, enthusiasm, and expertise! Mon-Sat 10:30am to 8pm, Sun 11am to 1pm, 30 rue de la Folie Méricourt, 11e, Mº St-Ambroise, tel: 01 53 36 08 33

La Maison des Millesimes The knowledgeable staff at this "house of years" have a head for figures - from 1929 onwards.  Come here for wine from Bordeaux - old and new  millésimes.  Feast your eyes on the rich amber of the old Chateau d'Yquem, and gasp at the incredible variety of price tags in this tiny store - from 7 to 2000 Euros.  Learn about the Grands Crus d'exception, spend time with your friends the Rothschildes, and find out whether you were born in a good year for wine or not! Mon-Sat. 10.30am to 10pm, Sun 11am to 7:30pm, 137 bd Saint-Germain, 6e, Mº St-Germain-des-Prés, tel: 01 40 46 80 01 http://maisondesmillesimes.fr

Les Caves d'Augé  Opened in 1850, this is the oldest wine store in Paris, and full of character.  Josephine Baker shopped here, as did Marcel Proust, who lived just down the street at number102!  Meet avant-garde sommelier Marc Sibard. He offers 6 000 French and foreign selections, all from small producers. These wines made from organic grapes, are vinified without chemical yeasts and preservatives. Store your vin naturel at 14*C.  Savor its distinctiveness!  Will you ever go back to drinking vin chimique? Mon 2pm-7:30pm, Tue-Sat 9am to 7:30pm, 116 bd Haussmann, 8e, Mº St-Augustin., tel: 01 45 22 16 97 http://www.cavesauge.com

La Cave des Papilles, Vins Naturelsis written on the awning outside, which means that inside you will find a wide selection of wines grown and vinified with minimal use of chemical agents, and to serve you, a team of passionnés of the wine reputed to minimize hangovers, and maximize the amount of fruit flavors and terroir that show through. Learn why the designation "Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée" excludes some of the best wines, according to fans of vins naturels. Tues-Fri 10am to 1:30pm & 3:30-8:30pm, Sun 10am to 1:30pm, 35 rue Daguerre, 14e, Mº  Denfert-Rochereau,  tel: 01 43 20 05 74

La Dernière Goutte  This shop proffers a large selection of Estate Bottled Wines, meaning that for all of the wines, the grapes were grown and vinified on the same estate, under the watchful eye of the propriétaire.  Within the selection, you will find that special attention is paid to Côte du Rhône, as well as wines of the Languedoc-Roussillon and Loire Valley. Educate your palate every Saturday at their free tastings. You're from the States?  The staff at this American-owned store are well-equipped to understand your wine references and preferences! Sun.to Fri 10am to 1:30pm & 15-20:30pm, Sat. 10am to 20:30pm, 6 rue Bourbon Le Château, 6e, Mº St-Germain-des-Prés, tel: 01 43 29 11 62
  http://www.ladernieregoutte.net