Bordeaux Wine Museum – What You Need To Know About Cité du Vin

Last updated on May 7th, 2024 at 08:59 am

Thinking of visiting the Museum of Wine in Bordeaux, la cité du vin?

You’re in the right place. I spent half a day at the Bordeaux wine museum, and it was a fantastic experience.

I’ve lived in France, not far from Bordeaux, for 7+ years now, and have been on many wine-tasting tours and visited a few museums dedicated to wine. However, none of them have been as extensive, immersive or fun as cité du vin.

I discovered how champagne got its bubbles, visited the “5 senses buffet”, and ate at the restaurant on the 7th floor.

So it’s safe to say I can tell you all you need to know so you can figure out the best time to visit and what you want to see. 

Is La Cite Du Vin, the Wine Museum in Bordeaux worth it?

Yes, absolutely, la Cite du Vin is definitely worth it, and I highly recommend spending at least a few hours there when you’re visiting Bordeaux. 

Why? Because it’s the most extensive wine museum I’ve ever been to. Plus, you get a free glass of wine when you get to the top floor. What’s not to love?

The Facts About La Cité Du Vin

Built in 2016, it was designed to represent the flow of wine through a glass, and there is no mistaking it. You can see it from pretty much most viewpoints as you come into the city standing up in the Bassin a Flot, where it’s located.

It’s actually quite an ugly area around there, so it has certainly helped with the aesthetics of that part of Bordeaux.

When you arrive, you’ll need to buy your ticket, or present it if you got it online, and head up to the second floor, where the main part of the museum is.

You’ll be given a portable audio guide, which will help you navigate your way around the various sections.

Don’t make the same mistake I did, and not pay attention to the instructions they give you on how to work it because it took me ages to figure it out on my own.

You need to press your audio set against the interactive screen associated with the section you want to hear more about for it to work. I was very grateful to a helpful French lady who took pity on me and showed me what to do. 

Before you begin your journey into the world of wine, understand that this isn’t all about Bordeaux, or even France. It’s about wine globally, and you’re about to learn about wine from lots of different regions and countries. It isn’t just an opportunity for France to blow its own trumpet.

Discovering the Essence of Wine at La Cité du Vin

The best way to start, like with most things, is at the beginning. The whole thing is divided into six sections and split into 18 smaller parts to make it all a bit easier to navigate. Ready to come on this wine journey with me?

Section 1 The World of Wine

This section is the first you’ll be greeted with when you walk in and the perfect place to start as it sets the scene for what lies ahead.

Vineyards from the skies

Three big screens invite you to take a journey into the world of wine. You can sit or stand, and it only lasts ten minutes or so. But during that time, you’ll visit 17 countries to experience the different wine regions.

The World of Wine

Here you’ll learn about how wine is grown within two climate belts and the key figures and statistics of wine globally.

Terroirs of the World

I loved this section as you get to meet ten wine growers from different countries, including Australia, the US and France, of course. Hearing them speak so passionately about the wine and their vines, I was struck by the intricate dance between nature and nurture. It’s here I learned the profound impact of soil, climate, and human touch on the wine’s character. 

The Vine

This digital creation of the vine shows you exactly how it all works, and I could almost feel the sun on my back and the soil in my hands. It was a reminder of the blend between tradition and innovation in viticulture.

Section 2 Know-How

Winemaking

A huge animated wall takes you through every step of the wine-making process and how it all starts with a grape. All the different grapes are showcased and you just press each one to learn about them. It was fascinating, and hubby had to drag me away.

The Wine Grower’s Year

This was actually the last thing I did after we had our lunch and it was lovely to sit on the big red sofa and lean back to learn about what happens during the course of a year in the life of a wine grower.

Six Wine Families

Here you learn about the six different types of wine, reds, dry whites, rosés, sparkling, fortified wines and dessert wines.

Section 3 Through the Ages

The Gallery of Civilisations

The Gallery of Civilisations was like being in a time machine. Here, I learned about the ancient wine vessels and the role of wine in rituals and society.

It started with the ancient civilisations such as Egypt, took you through Roman taverns, into the high society of English aristocracy and even into some Bordeaux châteaux.  

I also found out how champagne was discovered by accident, all because of a secondary fermentation process that occurred in the bottle. 

Wines produced in the champagne region would undergo fermentation in the barrel, but as temperatures dropped in the winter, the fermentation process would prematurely halt, leaving some residual sugar and dormant yeast in the wine.

When temperatures rose again in spring, the fermentation process would inadvertently resume within the sealed bottles, producing carbon dioxide.

This trapped gas led to the creation of bubbles in the wine. It was initially considered to be a fault, but then led to the development of what we now know as champagne.

Wine Trend Alley

Wine has become as trend-driven as fashion, and all sorts of innovations occur from how wine is stored to the labels on the bottles. 

Wine Trend Alley opened my eyes to the PR campaigns happening behind these innocent looking bottles of wine.

Section 4 Wine Around the World

Along the Rivers

Until the railways started taking over in the 19th century, wine was transported by boat on rivers and canals. This section takes you on a wine journey through the waterways of Europe.

Wine Conquering the World

Wine has been on quite a journey over the years, transported around the world by explorers and travellers. Here you can sit and enjoy their stories of how they took wine on a trip around the world so it was enjoyed by all.

Section 5 Art of Living

This was probably the most fun section of all as rather than watching and listening you get to take part, try things and enjoy using your five senses.

Wine and Me

Who doesn’t love a quiz? This was a fun quiz to discover what wine you’d be based on the way you answered the questions. I took it twice, and both times, I got the same answer. Apparently, I’m a dessert wine from the Côtes de Gascogne, and everyone is always happy to see me.

The Buffet of the Five Senses

I spent ages here engaging all my senses at the Buffet of the Five Senses, I sniffed, touched, and even listened to wine. It was an enlightening experience that taught me to appreciate wine beyond just taste.

There were glass bottles with chocolate, strawberries, lemons and many other things. You pushed the black puffer and sniffed – it was so interesting to see how all those things related to wine.

And Action!

A fun collection of movie clips where wine is the star of the show.

Dinner is Served

Take a seat at the virtual table and learn how to pair wine with food in an interactive dinner party for 24 people.

Good to Know

Here, you’ll learn how to store, serve and taste a wine in a fun and interactive way.

Section 6 Bordeaux

The Bordeaux Vineyards

Spread out over the floor is a giant map of the six Bordeaux wine appellations Médoc, Graves, Sauternais, Entre-deux-Mers, Libournais and Bourgeais-Blayais, each with its own characteristic. Step into each one and learn about how the grapes are developed and the wine they produce.

The Epic Tale of Bordeaux

And finally, as we are in Bordeaux, we finish with a film about the men and women who have worked tirelessly over the centuries to turn Bordeaux into the thriving city it now is.

The 8th Floor and the Belvedere

The Belvedere, located on the 8th floor, is one of the museum’s most breathtaking features. It offers panoramic views of Bordeaux and the Garonne River, making it a perfect spot to appreciate the beauty of the city and its surrounding wine country. 

You also get to enjoy a glass of wine, chosen from a selection that represents different countries and regions, showcasing the diversity of the wine world. 

This tasting is included with the price of admission to the museum, providing a fitting and memorable conclusion to the visit.

At the end of your visit

Don’t forget this is not just a museum, it’s a comprehensive experience dedicated to the culture of wine, including a library and a wine shop.

The Library at La Cité du Vin

The library, known as the Reading Room (Salle de lecture), is on the 7th floor just as you come out of the main exhibition, and it has stunning views of the city. They have all sorts of books including plenty on the culture, heritage, and taste of wine.

Visitors are welcome to browse the collection, making it an ideal spot for those looking to delve deeper into the world of wine or simply enjoy a quiet moment with stunning views. 

The Wine Shop: Latitude20

Located on the ground floor, Latitude20, the wine shop at La Cité du Vin, is accessible to museum visitors and the general public, making it a perfect stop for anyone wanting to buy a unique bottle of wine. 

I took a peek and was told they have over 14,000 bottles from more than 70 countries. The shop is named after the 20th parallel, which roughly marks the northern and southern limits of vine cultivation worldwide, symbolising the global scope of its collection.

It also hosts regular tastings and meetings with winemakers, so it’s put to good use.

Navigating La Cité du Vin

Navigating through La Cité du Vin can be overwhelming, but here are a few tips to enhance your experience:

• Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to explore without rush.
• Follow the flow: The exhibition is designed to guide you through seamlessly, so trust the journey.
• Engage with the interactive displays: They’re not only informative but also incredibly fun.
• Take breaks: Use the resting areas to reflect on what you’ve learned.
• Don’t miss the workshops: They offer a deeper dive into specific aspects of wine culture.

Le 7 Restaurant

Unsurprisingly, Le 7 Restaurant is on the 7th floor and is led by executive chef Bruno Grand-Clément, who cut his teeth learning under Michelin chef Alain Duccase at the Jules Verne restaurant at the Eiffel Tower.

We were booked in for lunch, and it was fabulous. The restaurant is very modern, with spectacular views over Bordeaux and food to match the views.

We only had two courses, as I find it tough to do justice to three, but my goodness, did those two courses pack a punch?

We both had the Limousin pork, which was cooked to perfection.

Predictably, I had the Café Gourmand for dessert, a selection of small bite-sized desserts with an espresso, and hubby, just as predictably, had the chocolate dessert with pistachio ice cream.

I was pleasantly surprised at how well-priced it was, considering where we were and what we had to eat.

Everything you need to know about your visit to la Cité du Vin

Booking your tickets

When hubby and I went, we both had a ticket included in our Bordeaux City Pass, which was really good value. I absolutely recommend getting a City Pass if you’re spending any amount of time in Bordeaux, as it includes free entry to most of the museums, not to mention free access to all public transport.

But if that doesn’t work for you, you can simply buy your tickets online here >>>

• Adults: The standard ticket price for adults is around €22 and includes skip-the-queue access to the full exhibition, as well as, entry to the Belvedere, where you can enjoy a glass of wine with a view.
• Concessions: Reduced rates are available for students, children, and seniors, usually around €16.
• Family and Group Rates: Special rates might be available for families and groups, encouraging collective experiences.
• Additional Experiences: Workshops and guided tours are offered at an additional cost, providing a deeper dive into specific topics or a more personalised experience.

Opening Hours

Cité du Vin’s opening hours vary throughout the year, typically extending hours during the peak tourist season (summer) and reducing them in the off-season (winter).

• Summer (June-August): Open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.
• Off-Season (September-May): Hours might be shorter, usually from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Closed Days: The museum may be closed on certain public holidays or for special events, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead of your visit.

Getting to the wine museum

La Cité du Vin is located at Esplanade de Pontac, 134 Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux, France.

• By Tram: The most convenient public transport option is the tram. You can take Line B and get off at the “La Cité du Vin” stop, which is directly in front of the museum.
• By Bus: Several bus lines serve the area around La Cité du Vin. Check the local transit authority for the best route from your location.
• By Car: If you’re driving, there is a parking lot available for visitors. Parking fees apply.
• By Bike: Bordeaux is a bike-friendly city, with several bike-sharing schemes available. There are bike racks near the museum for those who prefer to cycle.

Tips for Visiting

• Buy Tickets in Advance: To avoid long lines, especially during the tourist season, consider purchasing your tickets online in advance.
• Check for Events: La Cité du Vin hosts various events, workshops, and temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Look at their schedule to enhance your visit.
• Plan Your Visit: Given the wealth of information and experiences available, allocate enough time to fully enjoy what the museum has to offer without feeling rushed.

Where to stay near the Bordeaux Wine Museum

FAQS: The Bordeaux Museum of Wine

Final thoughts: The Wine Museum Bordeaux

Bordeaux isn’t short on museums, that’s for sure, but hands down the Bordeaux Wine Museum, Cité du Vin, was my favourite. 

If this has whetted your appetite for wine tasting, then there are many great wine tours of the Bordeaux region to try, from group half-day tours to private tours in a Tesla.

One of my favourites was in the beautiful village of Saint-Emilion, about 30 minutes from Bordeaux by train, at Chateau Ferrand.

You can also stay at some of the wine chateaux if you fancy sampling some haute cuisine and enjoying the peace and quiet of the vineyards.