Wine on a string: are you familiar with the concept?

What is "Vin à la Ficelle"?

First of all, don't worry, your wine won't be served in your glass using a string! That would be quite messy, even if there are some effective tips for removing wine stains from clothes. In reality, serving wine "à la ficelle" means you only pay for the amount of wine you consume. It's a handy option if you don't want to drink an entire bottle but need more than a carafe.

A Concept Dating Back to the 15th Century

While the concept of "vin à la ficelle" has gained popularity in restaurants only in recent years, its origins date back much further, to the 15th century. According to legend, an innkeeper named Gaultier in the Auvergne region came up with the idea in 1487 to use a piece of string to measure the amount of wine his customers consumed.

At that time, wine was served in earthenware or pewter pitchers. The innkeeper would measure the wine consumed by using evenly spaced knots on a string, with each knot representing 25 cl of liquid.

12% of Consumers Favor "Vin à la Ficelle"

Today, the concept of "vin à la ficelle" is making a comeback. As consumption habits evolve, more and more customers are opting for wine by the glass. A 2014 study by Le Parisien-Aujourd'hui en France highlighted this trend, showing that 20% of consumers prefer wine by the glass, while 12% are in favor of "vin à la ficelle."

FAQ - Vin à la ficelle

What is wine on a string (vin à la ficelle)?

Serving wine "à la ficelle" means you pay for the amount of wine you actually drink rather than by the bottle. The string is not used to pour the wine but to measure how much has been consumed. It is handy when you want a little more than a carafe without finishing a whole bottle.

Where does the concept of wine on a string come from?

Its origins date back to the 15th century. According to legend, an innkeeper named Gaultier in the Auvergne region came up with the idea in 1487, using a piece of string to gauge how much wine his customers drank. The concept has only returned to restaurant tables in recent years.

How is wine on a string measured?

At the time, wine was served in earthenware or pewter pitchers. The innkeeper measured the amount poured with a string of evenly spaced knots, each gap between two knots representing 25 cl of liquid. You then settle up for the number of measures you actually drank.

Why is wine on a string making a comeback?

Consumption habits are changing and more and more customers are opting for wine by the glass. A 2014 study by Le Parisien-Aujourd'hui en France found that 20 % of consumers preferred wine by the glass, while 12 % were in favour of the wine on a string principle.

What is the benefit of paying for wine on a string?

You only pay for what you drink, so there is no need to open a full bottle when you neither want nor need one. It is a flexible option between a single glass and a bottle, ideal for tasting more without any waste.