Here we go—the sun is beating down, the days are stretching on, and Marseille’s terraces are packed. From Cours Ju to Vallon des Auffes, via the cliffs of Malmousque, the motto is the same: it’s aperitif time. And when you say aperitif, you inevitably mean that little glass of chilled white or rosé that smells like the South.
The only problem: the moment the server arrives or your friends start discussing the “fruity notes and the color of the vintage,” panic sets in. You love wine, but you know absolutely nothing about it? Do you confuse grape varieties with Pokémon names? Don’t panic: we’ve found the perfect crash course for you. Here’s how to enjoy the cocktail season with total ease, even if you’re a complete beginner.
Step 1: Adopt the “Rochers & Transat” method
The first rule for enjoying wine without pressure in Marseille is to steer clear of stuffy places. Pick up a bottle from a small local winery at the neighborhood wine shop, head down to the rocks at Les Goudes, or grab a wooden table. Here, there are no delicate, fragile stemmed glasses. We drink from a plastic cup or a small, sturdy glass. Wine is meant to be shared, not analyzed for three hours.
📍 Our favorite spots to find the perfect bottle:
- Super Cools (Cours Julien): The name says it all. Tucked away in the heart of Cours Ju, this wine shop offers a curated yet totally laid-back selection of natural and unfiltered wines.
- La Source (Boulevard Chave): The perfect spot in the Camas neighborhood. Here, they focus on small local producers, organic or natural wines, and above all, a super friendly atmosphere.
- Figure (Vauban): Part neighborhood wine cellar, part dining bar, this is the ultra-trendy spot in Vauban where people come to pick up their wine from Provence or elsewhere.
Step 2: The ultimate trick to impress on the patio
If someone tries to impress you with fancy terms like “you can really feel the attack on the palate with a slightly mineral finish, ” no need to stammer. Drop the ultimate line from the uninhibited Marseillais: “As long as it’s chilled and goes down easy, I’m good!” Guaranteed to work—you’ll bring everyone back to the true value of an aperitif: simple pleasure.
Step 3: Take a hilarious crash course with The Idiot’s Guide to Wine
And if you really want to embrace your “no-frills” side while having a memorable evening, we’ve found the perfect event coming to Marseille: Idiot’s Guide to Wine.
This unique concept is a delightful blend of a hilarious stand-up comedy show and a real wine tasting. Designed specifically for those who love to have a drink but struggle to tell the difference between a Sauvignon and a Chardonnay, this show shatters all the clichés of the wine world with biting humor.
While you’re sipping on six carefully selected glasses, a comedian will keep you laughing while giving you the real keys to surviving your next dinner party. You’ll learn something, have fun, and most importantly, raise a glass without any fuss.
31 July 2026 19:00 + more dates
Excessive alcohol consumption is dangerous to your health; please drink responsibly (but with a smile).
