Cha Cha Cha Wine Bar, Chamonix - Centre

Regular visitors to Chamonix, the wine-making Picard family from Burgundy wanted to open a wine and spirits shop where locals and visitors alike could come to taste and learn about wine in a friendly and relaxed environment. The addition of a terrace has made it a popular place to call in for a glass (or two) of wine during the warm summer months.

Always aiming to expand the range, ChaChaCha now stocks a wide selection of craft beers and whiskys from around the world, becoming your one stop shop if you want specialist drinks advice on a range of quality drinks.

The store oozes style and taste and does not fail to impress even the most discerning eye. On Rue Ravanel Le Rouge, this contemporary store could be mistaken for an art gallery displaying its carefully chosen masterpieces from around the world. Even the interior is designed as such, the majestic L-shape slate bar inviting visitors to sit and sample the daily offerings whilst admiring some of the best French wines such as Château Margaux, Mouton Rothschild and the much sought-after Pétrus.

But, despite its fabulous range of grands crus, ChaChaCha does not aim to intimidate; the friendly multi-lingual staff manage to make even the amateurs amongst us feel instantly at ease with their thoughtful explanations of the wine and grapes, their subtleties and characteristics.

"Dégustations" (tastings) occur every night except Thursday and Saturday – starting at 18:00 and 19:30. For a reasonably small fee you are presented with a tasting of six wines/champagnes accompanied by an informal and light-hearted discussion. Every evening has a different theme - Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy - please email for more information.

Of course, special tastings can be arranged if you wish to sample some of the Grand Crus that ChaChaCha stocks, and should you wish to have wine delivered direct to your Chalet, for yourselves or your clients, that too can be arranged.

The wine bar is open Wednesdays 15:00 - 20:00, Thursday 11:00 – 13:00 and 15:00 - 21:00, Friday and Saturday non-stop 11:00-21:00 and Sunday non-stop 11:00 - 19:00. You can enjoy a glass of wine or indeed a bottle (which can be re-corked and taken home), accompanied by a selection of charcuterie or of course sample one of the 20 types of whiskies or 40 types of beer and a full stock of spirits.

The shop is arranged as a tour through the various regions of France starting in Champagne, then on to Savoie and Jura, the Rhône Valley, Burgundy, Bordeaux and the Loire and ending up with New World Wines. Helpful staff are always on hand to offer advice and help you with your selection - whether it be wine, whisky, beer or spirits you will always find what you are looking for.

ChaChaCha was founded from the owners of the Château de Chassagne-Montrachet in Bourgogne. This wonderful chateau was started by Louis Felix Picard on just two hectares of land in 1951. Since then the Chateau has remained in the Picard family and is now a major wine merchant exporting to America and Europe. If you are driving back to the UK from Chamonix why not take a break at the Château de Chassagne? Situated south of Dijon just outside the town of Beaune, the chateau provides a wonderful haven for the arduous journey back home. Just log onto the website www.michelpicard.com for more details.

ChaChaCha is a lovely environment in which to sit and enjoy a glass of your favourite cru.