Wines and spirits Normandy

A wine merchant who seduces by his kindness, his love of wine and his... bottle! Head sommelier of the Drouant restaurant for 20 years, member of the Association des Sommeliers de Paris, Nicolas Loubère is a great oenologist. In his sober and elegant wine cellar - where a few autographed photos of his Parisian past are displayed - he advises with his great experience, while charging low prices. Nicolas favours independent winemakers. Great classics, great vintages, great finds, Drouant champagne (exclusive), spirits and tasting evenings!

The activity of the Coquerel estate lies in the manufacture, storage and marketing of AOC Calvados and Pommeau. The visit of the domain, nestled in a green corner of the bocage, will allow you to discover the secrets of the manufacturing of this emblematic drink of Normandy. You will be impressed by the quantity of apples brewed, by the cellars where 10,000 hectolitres of Calvados are aged, enough to turn your head. Visits and tastings can be made here all year round: there is no shortage of beautiful proposals.

Aux Délices de Laurie is first and foremost a purple front, with golden writings... Here is a chic and charming delicatessen, which enchants the heart of Saint-Pierre. Here, greed is not a bad thing! To succumb to it, Laurie offers you products from our sunny region! You will also find spices, teas, coffees, syrups, oils, vinegars, vanillas, chocolates, cakes... At noon, the place becomes a nice little brasserie with a simple but efficient menu, and in the afternoon, the shop is also a tea room!

An essential producer on the Cider Route! It is impossible to pass through Cambremer without visiting one of the most beautiful and ancient cider cellars in Normandy, founded in 1865 by François Huet. The techniques have evolved, the installations too, but the recipe remains the same, rich in know-how and ancestral transmission. If you want to know more about cider and calvados, this is the place to be! Then head for the shop, where precious beverages (AOC-AOP Pays d'Auge cider, AOC Pays d'Auge calvados...) are waiting for you.

Beware! It is not a merchant like the others: first of all because Pierre-Henri Lemessier does not have a cellar as such and then because the spirit in which he works deserves a little attention to his case. Vinadom offers wines from independent wine growers all regions, but also champagnes and other local products. Pierre-Henri is passionate and it is this passion that he wants to share with you in dénichant products that you may never have known. Individuals, professionals, assoces or C.E. Everyone can contact him. Moreover, you can also cross Pierre-Henri on certain markets in the region, including Bayeux on Saturday morning. So, go to the site, not only will you have a more concrete idea of what it proposes, but there are plenty of information, such as the agreements and wines… except that, in this case, it is a question of giving it to the wine! Fun! Let's add to this the kindness of Pierre-Henri who thanks to Vinadom offers an excellent hyphen between the producer and the consumer.

Sharing a convivial moment over a good glass is part of the French heritage. Whether you prefer beer, wine or whisky, you're bound to find what you're looking for in this vast cellar, and you can rely on Philippe's advice. In his wine selection, he favors both the great Bordeaux vintages and lesser-known estates. Beer lovers will also find plenty to their liking, with a wide range of reds, blondes and browns, mainly from Belgium and Germany. Futé: oenology courses and tasting evenings organized on a regular basis.

Here, we don't say "drink wine", we say "taste". Wines and spirits are elevated to the rank of sanctity, and believe us, quality is no joke! Stéphane and Guillaume have a long-standing passion for surprising your taste buds, whatever your budget! La Cave Saint Etienne also organizes tasting courses to help your palate fully appreciate the different crus. And these are just a few of the many services they offer!

In this beautiful central store in Neufchatel, which is the happiest? This fine grocery store will make the delight of gourmets and gourmets by its exceptional choice of spirits, bulk tea, or coffee. The wine cellar will be filled with grass oenologists, and beer lovers will no longer know where to choose from one of the proposed choices (these will include the famous Northmaen…)! What to reconcile all amateurs of good products… In addition to all this, the reception is adorable, and is always with a smile.

Here you can find wines from all regions, from small vineyards to large estates, and all kinds of alcohols, from Calvados to brandy, through champagne, rum, port or 100 references of whiskey. The choice is huge but the prices are reasonable, with the possibility of composing your own box (up to 12 bottles). The free private parking garage allows you to park right at the store's door.

Six kilometres from Lisieux in the direction of Pont-l'Évêque, Calvados Boulard welcomes you to the prestigious distillery founded by Pierre-Auguste Boulard in 1825. Since then, the torch has been passed on to Vincent Boulard (fifth generation), who has inherited the family's passion for Calvados and continues to be the ambassador of this illustrious house. After the visit, it is difficult not to stop by the shop: excellent vintages, out of age or vintage, everything is there. There is no shortage of gift ideas!

A well-known local cider maker with no shortage of products and certifications attesting to the excellence of its production. Masterfully run by Vincent Pichon, Le Brécéen cider house is located in the heart of the Normandy bocage. The premises, which have been awarded the "haute valeur environnementale" (high environmental value) certification, allow you to discover marvellous ciders, as well as calvados and many other products: juices, compotes and jellies. The boutique is open Tuesday to Thursday mornings, and all day Friday and Saturday!

If you're passing through the pretty classified village of Villeray, don't forget to stop by the In Vino Veritas cellars. Located just a stone's throw from the Domaine de Villeray, the store offers a wide range of wines from the thirst-quenching to the grand cru, as well as a selection of organic, natural and biodynamic wines. The owner, Roland Sambor, is known for his good advice and for listening to his customers' tastes and desires. Attention, the store is only open on Friday and Saturday. During the week, it is better to call before coming to make an appointment.

Very nice boutique. It is the largest cooperative winery in the south of Villefranche, specialized in beaujolais representing 280 producers for over 800 ha of vines and 46 000 hl yield. With an annual production of 44 000 hl (red, white and rosé) and a bottling centre with a production capacity of 6 million bottles per year, the wine cellar of Bully is also subject to controls by independent bodies on its site of vinification and bottling. It produced in particular the Beaujolais Mémoria old vines, custodial wine having already won several awards (Two stars in the guide convertibility 2007, silver medal at the Paris competition, etc.), the higher beaujolais, the unique name, also awarded by two stars in the guide convertibility 2007 and the white Beaujolais, white beaujolais with the shiny dress and expressive nose. Regularly, medals and awards hail the wines of the Cave of Bully at various national and international competitions (more than 500 medals since 1959).

This cellar is an address that knows how to delight lovers of organic and biodynamic wines. The place is run by Ronan, and Ronan knows his way around a bottle. Even though he's young, he's got it! It has to be said that he cut his teeth as a sommelier at Saquana (a 2-star restaurant in Honfleur). And yet, it's in all simplicity, but not without passion, that he tells you all about his wines and their growers, and uncovers some lovely nuggets for you. His shelves are also stocked with spirits, local beers, ciders, perries and calvas. Tastings are also available.

Since 2007, this brand name perpetuates the tradition of fine shopping-shopping-épicerie on Caudebec-en-Caux, carefully choosing the most tasty products for the pleasure of your taste buds.

Maison Leroi is a warm welcome, expert advice of professionals, as well as personalized service for all your evenings, celebrations or other ceremonies. You will surely find your happiness among more than 500 references in alcohols (including a nice whiskies cellar), wines and other spirits, but also a wide range of products from the French soils and other Local specialties.

This store which is organized in four distinct spaces offers specialties of Norman products and honours cheese (the owner is a cheese-refiner): 150 to 200 kinds of cheeses invade the stalls every year. There are also foie gras and smoked salmon, ready-made dishes from all regions, different varieties of spices, a beautiful range of oil, vinegar and mustard, more than 40 kinds of tea, many varieties of coffee roasted by the house, and of course local drinks but also whiskies, cognac and brandy without forgetting the superb wine cellar. A must-see address for Epicurean!

On the little Place Alfred-Rossel, right in the centre of Octeville, there's no shortage of shops, including the Cave de la Butte. In this store, run by a true expert, Romain, we'll take the time to help you make the right choice, especially when it comes to food and wine pairings for your receptions, far from the standards of hospitality generally seen in franchises in the sector. There's also a fine selection of beers and spirits. The restaurant is also open on Sunday mornings.

This Nicolas cellar welcomes you to its richly endowed den. No more headaches when it comes to finding the perfect gift for your loved ones! Whether you're looking for prestigious crus or nuggets from small estates, the cellar master will guide you. White, rosé or sparkling, everything is carefully chilled for your pleasure. And for those in search of a bewitching elixir, the spirits are just waiting to awaken your taste buds! With Nicolas, you're sure to find the rare gem to brighten up your evenings.

In his large workshop, our brewmaster Etienne has plenty of room to express his talent. More local, mostly organic ingredients, our Géo Trouvetou is gaining in maturity, listening to feedback and fine-tuning his beers! No need to introduce you to his creation and marvel, La Petite Biche. An unfiltered blond, it's the power and strength of wood in a bottle. Available in a range of more or less full-bodied recipes to suit all tastes: white, brown, IPA, year-round or ephemeral beverages, there's bound to be a doe to suit you!

Did you know that Richard the Lionheart (Duke of Normandy and builder of the very close-Château castle) gave his name to a beer? Blonde, amber, pure brown malt or Christmas beer, haute and non-pasteurised fermentation, is a beer rich in flavours that will delight amateurs. The visit allows you to discover the different stages of its manufacture, from the crushing of barley to bottling, but also to taste the beer jam, with a surprising taste. The house also manufactures Du, an aperitif based on beer and beer-de-vie in oak barrels, measuring 16°. A unique product in Europe! And if you are conquered, you can make provision for soft amertumes at the shop. Smarter: Blonde, brown or raspberry, the house offers beer jam La Richard Coeur de Lion based on yeast and sugar yeast. Non-alcoholic guarantees!

At La Loterie, nothing is left to chance! Run by the Aubry family since 1936, Ferme de la Loterie became Cave de la Loterie when Régis took it over in 1999. The cider farm has 25 ha of organically-farmed orchards. The small house has become large and renowned. Discover the full range of cidres bouchés, pommeau and calvados AOC. You'll be seduced by the house aperitif, r'Êve de poire, or the apple juices, cider vinegar, apple jelly... A beautiful and respectful showcase for local production.

Motorists, be careful to negotiate your arrival and departure! The winery is located on the four-lane road to Ouistreham between the Centre Commercial Saint-Clair and Colombelles exits. No need to tell you that it's fast... But once your skid has been controlled and your car parked in front of the store, you can take your time to choose among the beautiful selections of wines and spirits that Franck offers in his store. We were won over by the choice and the range of prices - there really is something for everyone - as well as by the advice, sure, precise, and without unnecessary jargon. The Côtes du Rhône AOP Domaine de Givaudan (a handful of euros), the Viré-Clessé (a little more expensive), and the Ron Diplomatico (reasonable for a "Reserva") that he recommended on the day of our visit all three fulfill their promises. By the way, we received a mini-course on rum - sorry, rums - and thank you because now we learn to appreciate them and to recognize their aromas. But the man could talk to you as much about his whiskies, calvas and beers... In short, a passionate man who is also a pro!

A story of passion: that's the story of Maxime Haupais, who took over the family dairy and transformed it into a cider farm whose products are becoming increasingly well-known in the area. In the pretty little boutique created here, you'll find award-winning products of excellence: brut, extra brut, doux and demi-sec ciders, as well as a few spirits. Open Wednesday afternoons and Friday afternoons, you're sure to come and stock up.

Taken over by the young Louis Dethezy some time ago, the venerable Ferme de la Butte, whose cider products have long been a reference, remains among the best establishments in the business. Today, the farm is still the place of production, and it has a nice little cider museum. There is also a point of sale at the nearby Château de Chanteloup, as well as at the Crécey farm market in Saint-Pair-sur-Mer in the summer.

A fine establishment, which has earned its letters of nobility over the years: such is this Comptoir des Vignes, located in the heart of the city. Here you'll find a fine but wide selection of wines from France's finest vineyards, as well as a number of vintages from further afield. Spirits are also in abundance, ideal for enhancing your cellars or for excellent gift ideas. Comptoir des Vignes also offers regular appointments with producers who come on site to show you their products.

Here's an address with a taste of home! A wine merchant for over thirty-five years, Yves Dondel and his wife Anne will guide you according to your palate, the dishes you're planning, your desires and, of course, your wallet. A knowledgeable and passionate wine connoisseur, Yves will advise you on your choice of vintage. There's also a fine selection of spirits, champagnes and... calvados (yes!)! And as pleasure never comes alone, gourmet delicatessen products await you! What's more, it's open on Sunday mornings!

Les Mets Chai, before it was a drinking restaurant, it was a dining cellar! Jean-Charles has separated the two concepts to keep us happy! Here, you'll discover excellent vintages, natural wines, meaning organic, good and clean! Look at the walls full of bottles with labels and appellations that stand out (Va te faire boire or Gamay du matin). Evening presentations and tastings are organized (book in advance!) in the presence of the winemakers. There's something for every palate, and your favorite vineyards will no longer hold any secrets for you!

For a few months, Karim Samaté has successfully opened his vines, along the very busy Villedieu road. The latter, gradually becoming an amateur, and then connoisseur of wine, decided to cross the step by now standing at the head of his own sign. These are now about 500 references, no less, which are offered to the amateurs. This is obviously not everything, since stronger spirits, beers and some fine grocery products are also offered. A real plan.

Once you've been reminded - and rightly so - that the drink should be consumed in moderation, there's no reason to avoid a visit to the premises, or even a tasting! The GAEC des Poumyis produces Fouchard Calvados, as well as ciders and pommeau. Of course, you can also visit the winery to learn more about the production process. You can also buy these marvels on site, to round off your visit to this lovely place in style - and taste!

Several hundred liters of beer are brewed monthly by the team of workers at the bitter, a microbrewery that is no longer so micro, and which has gradually gained many fans. Having won prizes in numerous contests, the beers are brown, blond, amber, and always tasty. You can find these delights in many local establishments, and especially in the nice shop located at the bottom of the village of Les Pieux.

It is an independent wine shop, in the heart of the city, and is run by a true connoisseur in the field: Philippe Mahier. La Cave du Roy offers hundreds of wines, stored in the cellar below the shop, allowing them to age and improve in optimal conditions. Here, we are not at a wine shop like so many others: we take the time to listen to your requests, your questions, and your tastes, to provide you with the best advice!

Our friendly wine merchant has a passion for wine - wines - and also for beers, calvados, ciders, pommeau... Jean-Philippe loves good things. A pleasure that he shares with his customers for a tasting. He will know how to scare whisky lovers with his references from all over the world and seduce the unconditional fans of home brewed beer. His little touch: he doesn't pack the bottles in a box, but in a "bourriche"! That's a nice touch! Moral, if you come across a crate...

Opened a few months ago on Rue au Blé - and easily recognizable with its white front - this pretty boutique has become a haven for spirits enthusiasts. Hundreds of references are on offer here, from whisky to the most unexpected spirits, and you'll be advised by Thomas, who also runs the cocktail bar nearby. Many of the spirits on offer are the result of the team's relentless research: nuggets waiting to be discovered.

It's one of the largest wine cellars in the whole department. Housed in a 500^m2 facility, La Cave de Tom invites you to discover over 1,300 references of wines, beers, spirits, ciders, whiskies, quality juices, as well as a fine selection of gourmet products. It's the perfect place if you're looking to treat yourself or others. The establishment regularly organizes tasting evenings and themed workshops. And don't hesitate to ask the wine merchants for advice: they're real enthusiasts and will be delighted to guide you.

After several years in Gratot, a few kilometers away, Captain James is now in Agon-Coutainville, joining a larger space to develop his activities. These are well known locally: the brewing of beers, which come in all colors: white, blonde, red and brown, not forgetting IPA, with its distinctive aroma. You can find them on site from Thursday to Saturday, or at the Coutainville market. You can also visit the premises on the first Saturday of each month. Note that bottles are returnable.

Located in Sainte-Marie-des-Champs, Inter Caves is a modern chain of stores specializing in the sale of wines, champagnes and spirits. This passionate and committed wine merchant offers a vast selection of products, with over 550 wine and champagne references, 80 Réserves à Vin®, 450 whiskies, rums and spirits, as well as 150 craft beers and casks, and 100 delicatessen products. The store also offers a range of services, such as trunk loading, home delivery, equipment rental (draught taps), festive event organization, tasting evenings and customized gift boxes.

Cidre Fournier is a family story that began in 1943 and has grown steadily over the decades to the point where production is now present in no less than 15 countries. Apple and pear trees flourish on the sunny hillsides. At the boutique, after a short tasting, you can buy cider, apple and pear juice, apple sparkling wine, perry, calvados... directly from us. The house offers no fewer than 70 cider references, including a fine organic range.

The estate nestles at the bottom of a small valley, so emblematic of the Pays d'Auge. Enjoy the scenery along the way. It's here that Nathalie and Jean-Luc Olivier devote all their time to tending their apple and pear orchards, producing cider, pommeau and calvados that have been certified organic since 2000. Of the 44 hectares of orchards, 30 are "high-stemmed". The tour includes an introduction to cider-making, and the store offers a variety of ciders, perries, pommeaux and calvados! Two gîtes are available to rent for a nature break.

The Hérout family's property is composed of orchards of selected cider apples certified Organic Agriculture. It is in the respect of traditional cultures, with 100% organic productions, that a unique cider is produced here, benefiting from the PDO Cidre Cotentin, and developed according to several exceptional vintages. That's not all, here we also produce pommeau and calvados, also among the best in the whole region, as well as fruit juice and vinegar. The place is well worth a visit.

You can't visit the cider factory's production facilities, but you'll be warmly welcomed here. Francis Dupont's Cidrerie de la Brique has come a long way since it was founded in 1953. The nectars are made from apples (and pears) harvested in Cotentin orchards planted with traditional, high-stemmed apple trees and more recent, low-stemmed apple trees of carefully selected varieties. In addition to cider, you'll find pommeau, poiré, organic apple juice... and a 33 cl format called La Brick.

A child of the apple, as he puts it. At the head of a 24-hectare orchard where numerous varieties of apples grow, mainly from Normandy and particularly from the Perche region, the owner and cellar master will be delighted to introduce you to the art of cider making. What's more, you'll be able to tour this 60-hectare farm in true Percheron style. This is a highly courageous undertaking for this young man from Orne, who created his cider house from scratch in 2009 (and has already won gold and bronze medals at the 2011 Saint-Jean des cidres). Planting apple trees, setting up the cellar, making a name for himself, establishing a place for himself in the business (he also sells his apples to the Agrial cooperative) and, at the same time, working towards the arrival of the AOC "Cidre du Perche" label, this is already Grégoire's gamble and path of faith. Not forgetting Juliette, who helps him in his task. Don't you just love young people? So, a refreshing stop-off is obviously welcome in these parts, where the semi-dry and brut cider (typical of the Percheron region, naturally fermented) will quench a passing thirst and liven up some family festivities. Poiré, apple juice, calvados and pommeau, cider and apple jellies are other highlights of the house. The company also likes to share its know-how at open-house events. In spring, for the "Bienvenue à la Ferme" operation, or at harvest time in November. So if you're passing by in autumn... Come and pick your own apples!

When in 1992, Michel Galmel took over this 17th-century farm a few kilometers from Giverny, he decided to transform the cereal fields into orchards to make the cider-making activity the flagship product of the house. It is with great pleasure that he opens his doors to the public today for a visit of the orchard and the cellar. A tour of the owner and you will learn a thousand and one things about the management of the orchard, the manufacture of cider, of course, but at the same time, you will enjoy a magnificent science lesson. The protection of the environment for Michel is anchored in his daily life to the point that the techniques of production are very respectful of the natural environment participate first in this philosophy. While you taste his cider (bronze medal at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris 2014), take the time to listen to his story: the planting of apple trees inseparable from the three kilometers of Normandy hedges that were created at the same time... The cider of Les Ruelles is elaborated thanks to nine varieties of apples whose assembly delivers acidulous fruit flavours. But we won't tell you more to give you time to discover the fruits of this passion: sweet cider, apple juice, apple jelly, jams, cider brandy, cider vinegar...

On the spot, don't miss the two guest rooms to extend your stay and the pleasure, as well as the forest-garden with its cultivated fields on about sixty hectares. Enough to satisfy young and old.

The region may not be well known but its landscapes are superb. Roumois is the "Pagus Rotomagensis" or the "Land of Rouen". But it is also the home of Alain Caboulet's cider factory. Passionate, he took over, in 1989, the reins of the farm bought by his grandfather, Raynald, in the 1940s. On the 25 hectares of orchard, Bedan, Bisquet, Douce Moën, Rouget de Dol grow under the Normandy skies in the heart of the IGP Normandie. The result is a range of products stamped with the "Produit en Gourmandie" label. The Domaine des Hauts Vents cider has won many awards at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris (gold medal in 2013 for the sweet cider) and has been entered in the Vinalies Internationales (where cider products are submitted to oenologists and wine and spirits professionals). That's how good it is. No more time to lose to add these superb nectars to the shelves of your cellar which, for sure, will not be big enough since there are other treasures: pommeau de Normandie (silver medal in Paris in 2008), calvados AOC (distilled in a Charentais type still), pear liqueur with calvados, cider confit, cider vinegar, apple and pear juice and - very new - a rosé cider. You can visit in spring during the open days or in September for the Heritage Days. Don't worry, a sales point is open on the farm, at weekends or during the week by appointment. A shot of cider can be as simple as a phone call!