WORK • Friday Routine
PIERRE BERTHIER • sommelier • Vivant 2
Neighborhood you work in: 10th arr
Neighborhood you live in: 18th arr
It’s Friday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
I work as a sommelier at Vivant 2. My shift usually starts in the early afternoon. When I arrive, the team is already blasting Italo-disco, a mix of Pino D'Angiò and Mina. The atmosphere is energetic and friendly — there are just six of us. We have four locations on the same street — Vivant 2, Déviant, Camino, Collier de la Reine — so it’s always buzzing with activity. We often pop over to one of the other locations for a coffee, and the vibe is relaxed and playful. At 530p, we share a staff meal, and the place suddenly becomes very quiet. We turn off the music, and some people take a quick nap. The only sound is the constant hum of the fridges. At 6p, we turn the music back on, light the candles, and the evening begins.
What’s on the agenda for today?
Outside of service, I focus on building relationships with winemakers, engaging with them and sharing their stories with other wine venues in Paris. My primary focus is on Alsace, as that's where I'm from, and where my wine culture originates. I also work on organizing the next edition of the wine fair I host with David Neilson in Strasbourg, Phare Ô Vins at the Phare Citadelle. The next one will be October 2025. It's a lot of back-and-forth with winemakers, inviting chefs to cook for the event, and coordinating with the venue’s staff to organize everything. It’s a job rooted in passion and relationships — one that involves taking time to connect with industry professionals, recommend great restaurants, taste wines, and meet new people.
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
Tonight, I plan to have a drink at Les Vins du Matin, probably with a piece of blue cheese, some smoked harissa, and a pet nat by Vanessa Letort from Sons of Wine. I might also stop by Déviant; there's a bottle I've had my eye on for a while — a 2015 blend of Riesling, Barbera, Picpoul, Cortes, Carignan, and Grenache Gris by Ruth Levandinsky. I can already picture enjoying a glass of it with their Bouchée à la Reine. I’m craving the warmth and comfort of puff pastry and cheese.
How about a little leisure or culture?
I’m a huge jazz fan and really enjoy the concerts at New Morning. I’m looking forward to seeing Billie Cohan perform — he’s an incredible jazz drummer. The venue is located on Rue des Petites Écuries, just a few doors down from Vivant 2. It’s an intimate space with a top-quality sound system — well thought out, and very precise. The programming focuses on hip hop, jazz, and indie music.
Afterward, I’ll likely find myself at a PMU for a Jupiler draft — I'm still a pilsner drinker at heart. I also enjoy browsing for vinyl at Rock Bottles. They have an excellent selection of movie soundtracks, including works by François de Roubaix and Michel Legrand. A good soundtrack on vinyl, paired with a glass of wine, is one of life’s little pleasures.
Any weekend getaways?
I spend all my weekends in Alsace, as that’s where I feel a deep connection to the land. I have a few parcels in Obernai, and it’s always a joy to care for them. I also have a pied-à-terre in Strasbourg, and my love for both Paris and Strasbourg — along with the Piémont des Vosges — keeps me coming back every weekend. When I arrive at the train station, I stop by Le Bardu (Cosmos) for a Météor on tap. I have an apéro at Jaja, dinner at Le Pont Corbeau, and then return to Le Bardu.
What was your last great vacation?
When I was living in Strasbourg, Paris was my go-to holiday destination. I'm still split between the two cities. Every summer, though, I spend 10 to 15 days in Arles with my brother. We rent a mas, live to the rhythm of the cicadas, and dine out every night. Our usuals are Chardon, they host chefs in residency, so the menu changes every year; Inari by Céline Pham, and a memorable aïoli at Chapeau de Paille in Aix-en-Provence, paired with old vintages from Henri Milan. It’s also a great opportunity to visit Anthony Duchêne in Marseille, where he takes me to La Passarelle for wine and to hunt for vinyl records.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
A trench coat I thrifted near République. It pairs nicely with movie soundtracks and the Grands Boulevards of Paris.
What store or service do you always recommend?
Au Fil du Vin Libre in Strasbourg is, without hesitation, the best wine shop ever. I often pick up some wine there before heading home to cook.