Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Destination for Wine, Spirits & Gourmet Food in Minneapolis
Founded in 1950, France 44 is a family-owned and operated Minneapolis institution dedicated to curating exceptional wine, spirits, cheese, and gourmet food. Over three generations, we have evolved from a small bottle shop into a multifaceted destination featuring a whole-animal butcher shop, scratch deli, catering services, and immersive culinary education programs. Our mission remains rooted in personalized service, with a team of passionate experts committed to helping customers discover products they love.We prioritize artisanal quality from both global and local producers, fostering a community-centered environment where neighbors gather for weekend tastings, cooking classes, and seasonal celebrations. With three retail locations and a newly expanded event space, we continue to blend tradition with innovation while maintaining the warmth of a neighborhood shop.
Services
Wine Sales
Cheese Shop
Catering Services
Cooking Classes
Beer & Spirits
Event Hosting
Whole-Animal Butchery
Wine Storage
Gift Baskets
Wine Tastings
Details
- Year established: 1950
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1950 with three generations of expertise
- Knowledgeable staff includes certified wine and cheese professionals
- Offers catering, cooking classes, and private event hosting
- Curates artisan products from local and global producers
- Maintains a community-focused neighborhood shop atmosphere
What people say
Exceptional cheese selection
Knowledgeable staff
Vibrant community hub
Outstanding wine classes
Creative catering options
Services
Wine Sales
Our wine selection spans Old World classics and New World innovations, with expert staff available to guide pairings and selections. We offer competitive pricing on both everyday favorites and rare vintages. Seasonal promotions and monthly wine clubs enhance accessibility for all palates.
Cheese Shop
Featuring over 300 cheeses globally and locally, our cut-to-order counter emphasizes seasonal varieties and educational tasting experiences. Certified cheesemongers provide pairing suggestions and storage advice. Regular cheese-focused events deepen customer knowledge.
Catering Services
We create custom menus for weddings, corporate events, and private parties featuring gourmet cheese boards, charcuterie, and comfort food specialties. Full-service options include staffing and tabletop rentals. Seasonal holiday menus available for pickup or delivery.
Cooking Classes
Hands-on classes cover cheese making, bread baking, pasta preparation, and wine pairing techniques. Led by industry professionals, sessions accommodate all skill levels. Specialized programming includes holiday-themed courses and spirit tastings.
Event Hosting
Our newly expanded event space accommodates up to 100 guests for weddings, corporate gatherings, and themed pop-up nights. Features include audio-visual equipment, catering access, and customizable seating arrangements. Dedicated event coordinators manage logistics.
People
Rick Anderson
Proprietor
Third-generation owner Rick Anderson leads France 44's strategic direction while maintaining hands-on involvement in wine selection. He expanded the business to three locations and introduced the event space. Rick prioritizes balancing tradition with modern customer needs.
Benjamin
Cheesemonger in Chief
Benjamin oversees all food retail operations and production kitchens. A certified cheese professional, he specializes in rare cheeses and advocates for proper cheese serving temperatures. His expertise shapes the shop's artisanal cheese philosophy.
Austin
Education Director
Certified Cheese Professional Austin manages educational programming, including wine and cheese classes. He develops curriculum that combines technical knowledge with approachable learning. Austin also contributes to staff training initiatives.
Dillon
Culinary Leader
Dillon leads prepared food operations with a fine dining background. He creates seasonal deli menus and collaborates across departments to ensure culinary consistency. His focus includes elevating both product quality and customer experience.
Yunah
Events Coordinator
Yunah designs immersive food and beverage experiences, leveraging her fine dining background to curate unique events. She specializes in anticipating guest needs and creating memorable occasions that showcase France 44's offerings.
Questions
What makes France 44 different from other wine shops?
We combine three generations of family ownership with certified experts in wine, cheese, and spirits. Our integrated approach includes on-site butchery, catering, and immersive education programs.
Do you offer wine and cheese pairing guidance?
Yes, our certified cheesemongers and sommeliers provide personalized pairing recommendations. We also host regular educational events focused on pairing principles.
Can I order catering for a private event?
Yes, we create custom menus for events of all sizes. Our catering includes cheese boards, charcuterie, and comfort food specialties with full-service options available.
Are cooking classes suitable for beginners?
All skill levels welcome. Our hands-on classes teach fundamental techniques while emphasizing enjoyment of the culinary process through expert instruction.
Do you carry local Minnesota products?
Yes, we prioritize local artisans alongside global producers. Our shelves feature Minnesota-made cheeses, meats, and specialty foods curated for quality.
Is parking available at your location?
Street parking available on France Avenue with additional options in nearby lots. Bike racks and public transit access also available.
Reviews (6)
Neal Sorensen
May 16, 2022
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They have an incredible selection of beer and a very impressive selection of scotch. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Every time I have looked lost while staring at bottles someone swoops in with guidance and a recommendation. I've gotten some great scotch here simply by looking overwhelmed!
Cigar Gal
May 04, 2022
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They have all my favorite wine and the deli.? Has the world's best chicken breasts already to take home and chocolate chip cookies. THE COOKIES COULD MAKE WORLD PEACE HAPPEN!
Julia W.
Apr 04, 2022
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Small but really great cheese shop with a nice selection and accompaniments. Wonderful customer service and knowledgeable and friendly cheesemongers. I bought a cheese that had gone bad and was given an exchange with no problems. Can't wait to come back!
Lou Lou
Mar 16, 2022
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The most delicious of all the delicious things are here! Cheese, meat (fresh and deli) sandwiches, desserts hmmmmm. Also, every single person we encountered was friendly and helpful. Thank you!
Ruth Epping
Feb 18, 2022
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I love this place. Any time I'm even remotely in the area, I stop in. TONS of great wine and beer options, and the deli is glorious.
D. Barlow
Feb 05, 2022
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This place is a drive for us (we live in NE Mpls), but worth it. GREAT selection, helpful staff. You can't go wrong here.
