ChaChaCha - The €8 Corkage Hack

How to Complete

3 steps curated by Wine Memories

1. 🍷 1

   Learn the €8 Corkage Model

   wine $

   Browse the shop selection at ChaChaCha (central Chamonix pedestrian zone) - Burgundy-heavy (Picard family origins) but excellent Savoie section. Pick a bottle: Savoie white (Jacquère Apremont or Roussette) €12-20, or Burgundy village wine €25-40. Tell staff: 'I want to drink this here.' They'll charge bottle price + €8 corkage. This is the insider move - you're paying shop prices instead of restaurant markups (50-70% savings). Sit at one of 6-8 small tables.

   🔄 BACKUP: If ChaChaCha is full (likely Friday/Saturday evenings), buy a bottle to go and drink it at bench at Place du Mont Blanc square or your hotel room with mountain view.

   🍷 Log Memory
2. 🍷 2

   Join the Winter Nightly Tastings

   Optional

   wine Free

   Free tastings happen nightly (7pm-9pm during winter season) - you'll sample 3-4 wines, learn about Savoie grapes, meet the Picard family or staff. Go at 7pm when tastings start. Ask for 'best Savoie white under €20' - they'll guide you. Pair with cheese from shop (€6-10 plate) if hungry. Chat with whoever's pouring - they know every bottle's story.

   🔄 BACKUP: If tastings aren't running (summer or low season), ask for the 'staff pour of the night' - they'll recommend something interesting they're excited about.

   🍷 Log Memory
3. 📜 3

   Ask About Burgundy vs Savoie Terroir

   Optional

   history Free

   The Picard family is from Burgundy but fell in love with Savoie wines. Ask them why. They'll explain how Burgundy's limestone slopes compare to Savoie's landslide-created scree. The conversation goes deeper than any tasting note. Mention you're exploring Savoie wines - they'll offer to open something special for tasting. If buying multiple bottles, ask about their aged Chartreuse collection (not listed publicly).

   🔄 BACKUP: If the family isn't there, staff are equally knowledgeable. They hire people who can tell the story, not just pour.

   🍷 Log Memory