<i>thinking that meant the 'vin du pays' would be excellent</i>

There is a big difference between a <i>vin de pays</i> and a <i>vin du pays</i>. The former is typically a simple, inexpensive wine. The latter only means a local wine and is not, in itself, an indicator of overall quality, just that you are asking about a wine from the region.

Ordering a vin du pays can represent the best overall cost vs. quality selection(s) on the wine menu.

bookmarking

At the Brasserie en l'Ile we inquired about wine and were given the bottle at the table, and then charged for what we drank. the waiter held it up to see, winked and said "something" of the amount. It was tres cool and cute!!