FRANCE: SINGLES MEET AT “WINE DATING” IN PARIS WITH CHIC EVENTS LIKE CHAMPAGNE ON THE SEINE OR WINE TASTING AT MONTPARNASSE

Evenings for singles have become classy in Paris with “wine dating”, aperitifs organized on the top floor of the Tour Montparnasse or on a boat along the Seine River. “It is a new concept for singles who are refined and fashionable”, explained 28-year-old Olivier Magny, founder of O Chateau, the group that organizes these events. His driving philosophy? “Wine helps with meeting people; it makes people more spontaneous, takes away inhibition. And, even more, the location is romantic”.
There is a breathtaking view of the Ville Lumiere from the 56th floor of the Montparnasse tower, and the Champagne boat tour passes along such sites as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Cathedral of Notre Dame.
Through word of mouth, internet, magazines, these events attract around 70-80 people every first Monday of the month. It costs 35 euros for a seat at a table of eight, equally divided between men and women, and Olivier, just as a good sommelier should, entertains his guests while explaining the characteristics of each wine that is served. To help with socializing, a “wine game” is also played. It is a list of questions on the world of wine: “Is Prosecco an Italian town or varietal?” Or, “What is the highest distinction in the Burgundy classification?”. Each guest who gives the right answer is awarded two glasses of Champagne, one of which is to be offered to their chosen person of interest.
“A few leave together at the end of the evening”, assure the organizers of O Chateau. “Many exchange phone numbers, chat for a while, then what happens outside is impossible to find out”.
The average age is 37 years, and the majority attending are women. In fact, reservations have been closed to women on the web site (www.o-chateau.fr). “Men, it’s your turn to play now!” pronounces the site.