The Wine Scam in Paris

Paris is world-famous for its wine culture — but not every glass poured is what it seems. In this article, we reveal the details of one of the most common scams: the overpriced wine trick.

The Wine Scam

Two glasses of French white wine

Two glasses of delicious French white wine

You're seated on a charming Parisian terrace, you ask for a recommended wine, and a friendly waiter suggests a well-known appellation. But what actually ends up in your glass might be something very different. This scam is surprisingly common, and it works because wine labeling and pricing can be confusing for non-experts.

In some restaurants and tourist-heavy areas, unscrupulous servers will present a mid-range or even premium wine by name, then serve you a significantly cheaper variety from a bulk bottle in the back. Because the customer likely won’t recognize the taste, the switch often goes unnoticed. The establishment profits handsomely — sometimes charging €8–€12 per glass for wine that costs less than €2 per bottle wholesale.

In more elaborate versions, they might even show you the right bottle, but serve the wrong wine into your glass from behind the bar. Or worse, refill a genuine bottle with inferior wine. It’s difficult to spot if you’re unfamiliar with the taste — and that’s exactly what the scammers count on.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Always ask for the wine to be opened in front of you at the table.
  • If ordering by the glass, ask to see the bottle before it’s poured.
  • Stick to reputable restaurants or those with transparent menus and clear wine lists.
  • If something tastes off, don't hesitate to question it.

Don't Let Scams Ruin Your Paris Trip

Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world — and it deserves to be experienced honestly. At Turiva Paris, we offer only official tickets to museums and monuments, guided tours led by accredited experts, and unique eco-friendly experiences designed with integrity.

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