Dreams of sun-drenched vineyard tours in Bordeaux can be washed away by the region's notorious rain, but the city offers a spectacular indoor sanctuary for wine enthusiasts. La Cité du Vin (The City of Wine) stands as a beacon for visitors, transforming a soggy day into a deep dive into the world's viticultural history.
An Architectural Marvel on the Garonne
Even in relentless rain, the museum's exterior demands attention. Designed by Paris-based XTU Architects, its curvaceous form of glass and aluminium is often likened to a giant wine decanter. This 21st-century landmark caused a stir upon its completion a decade ago and is handily located north of Bordeaux's centre, a stone's throw from the River Garonne and connected to the city's tram network.
This location is historically significant. For centuries, the Garonne was the liquid highway for Bordeaux's most famous export, with barges transporting wine since Roman times. Today, riverboats offer cruises through the surrounding vineyards, which form France's largest wine region: the Bordeaux AOC.
A Journey Through Global Wine History
Far more than a simple museum, La Cité du Vin is an interactive experience. Its permanent exhibition boasts around nine hours of content, tracing the story of wine from ancient Egypt and Greece to the modern-day impacts of climate change. Interactive galleries and audio-visual displays bring this history to life.
A fascinating section explores Bordeaux's royal English connections. It details how the marriage of King Henry II of England to Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine, in the 12th century led to 300 years of Plantagenet rule. During this period, the light red wines shipped to English ports like London and Bristol earned the name "clairet," which later evolved into the term "claret" used for Bordeaux reds.
Tastings, Views and Culinary Delights
The experience culminates with a tasting. The museum entrance fee includes a complimentary glass at the Belvedere bar on the eighth floor. On clear days, it offers spectacular views of Bordeaux and the Garonne winding its way to the Atlantic Ocean 60 kilometres away.
For a deeper sensory journey, visitors can book additional workshops like the Via Sensoria. This tasting tour guides participants from spring to winter with contrasting wines from France, Georgia, and Hungary. The museum also houses an extensive wine library with over 2000 books.
After exploring, the trendy Les Halles Bacalan food hall opposite or nearby restaurants serving southwest French classics—like duck and lamb dishes enriched with Bordeaux wines—provide the perfect finale to a day immersed in viticulture.
Fact File: Adult admission to La Cité du Vin is €22, while children aged 6-18 pay €9. The Via Sensoria sensory tasting is an additional €22. The museum is an all-weather highlight proving that in Bordeaux, even a downpour can lead to a profoundly rich and merry experience.
