Bordeaux Wine Museum
Of course, we all know that wine plays a leading role in Bordeaux, both economically and in terms of tourism. This region is considered to be one of the most important wine producing regions in the world, as well as being of unequalled quality.
There are many attractions to enjoy wine tourism here, one of the most important and impressive of which is the Bordeaux Wine City. This is an establishment that pays tribute to this industry and where you can learn much more about the process: from production to marketing.
History of the Bordeaux Wine Museum
First of all, we must make it clear that this is an impressive piece of architecture. It is on the banks of the Garonne River and its shape pays homage to wine. It resembles the movement of the wine in the glass when it is being decanted. Even before you enter, you will be amazed.
It covers an area of 14,000 m² and is 55 metres high and has 10 floors. It was designed by the French architectural firm XTU Architects in cooperation with the museum experts Casson Mann.
The project required 81 million euros, 925 glass panels and just over a thousand tonnes of steel.
It was inaugurated in 2016 in the midst of major renovations to the city of Bordeaux. Since its opening, more than 1.5 million people have experienced it. In fact, National Geographic listed it among the top 10 museums in the world.
The Bordeaux Wine Museum today
The Bordeaux Wine Museum is dedicated to teaching all facets of wine. There are activities aimed at all ages through sensory experiences that stimulate all five senses.
Visitors are taken on a journey through time. The importance of wine in different civilisations is explained here. You will find workshops, tastings, permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as souvenir shops. Of course, there is a fabulous panoramic restaurant on the seventh floor.
The first floor of the establishment is where the main attractions are concentrated. It covers 3,000 m² and it is here that visitors will find 19 different themed modules. They offer detailed information on the different wine-growing areas of the world, as well as the main wineries.
Wine has been with mankind since 6,000 BC. Here you can learn more about this fascinating history. There are more than 200 audiovisual screens and ten hours of unpublished content, including 3D projections.
The tour is available in eight languages, taking approximately two to three hours in total. In addition to audio-visual content and talks, visitors also enjoy tastings and eating areas.
Bordeaux Wine Museum: opening hours, prices
How to get to the Wine Museum
If you’re passing through the capital of New Aquitaine, you can’t miss the Bordeaux Wine Museum.
The options for getting there are very easy, considering that it is very close and that the city’s public transport system works wonderfully. Here are all the details:
Tramway
The tram is one of the best ways to get around Bordeaux. The nearest stop is two minutes from the museum. Take tram line B and get off at the Cité du Vin stop.
Bus
By bus is another wonderful option to get to the most attractive places in Bordeaux. There are several lines that go to the wine city.
Liane 7
Corol 32
Citéis 45
Whichever option you choose, you must get off at La Cité du Vin stop.
Other options
If you can’t decide whether to take the tram or the bus, there is always the option of walking. For some, this is the best way to get to know a new place. From the city centre, it takes about 40 minutes. And the views are wonderful.
On the other hand, there is the alternative of cycling. Here you can rent a tour guide and it will take about 10 minutes.
Prices and opening hours of the Wine Museum
The prices to visit the Wine Museum vary according to the type of access you want to have. The general admission includes the permanent exhibition on the first floor. In addition, you can enjoy a visit to the viewpoint on the eighth floor and a tasting of a glass of wine or grape juice, depending on the age of the visitor.
The prices are:
Adults: 21 €.
Children from 6 years old: 7 €.
Children under the age of 6 are free.
Opening hours
The Cité du Vin Bordeaux is open every day of the week from 10 am to 6 pm. At weekends and during the summer season, closing time is extended to 7pm.
On 24 and 31 December, it closes at 4 p.m., while on 25 December and 1 January it is closed to the public. Between 2 January and 3 February 2023, it is scheduled to undergo a series of renovations and will therefore remain closed.
Discovering the Museum on a free tour
Like any new destination or place, the City of Wine Bordeaux deserves to be visited at your leisure and with the necessary time to enjoy this wonderful experience. Especially if you like this world.
Although the organisation includes the tour in several languages through mobile apps, having a tour guide will always be the best option. You will be able to enjoy a much more complete experience.
Bordeaux, with its tourist boom, has the advantage of offering free tours and sightseeing tours. In most cases, the guides are locals, so they know the history better than anyone else. They will also be able to tell you a bit more about the secrets of the place, such as the construction process, the visitors or maybe a curious fact or two.
