On June 1, 2016, Bordeaux proudly debuted a contemporary monument, illustrating the city's dedication to the fruit of the vine: La Cité du Vin.
The purpose of this museum is to create a space where sensory experiences are centered wholly around wine. This site is fully dedicated to this "nectar," as a living piece of French history and culture. Experts from all around the world helped to curate this collection, showing a global approach to the universal, cultural, and symbolic role wine plays in different cultures.
A Knotted Vine
This architectural masteripece, anchored on the banks of the Garonne River, boasts an impressive exterior. A shining, 180 foot beacon, the facade of the building is constructed from glass pannels and perforated aluminium. This monument resembles a knotted grapevine, rooted in a glass base representing the nearby Garonne River.
Themed Exhibitions
Once inside, the sheer size of the interior is striking. At 10 floors high and nearly 140,000 square feet in area, the Cité du Vin is a wine voyage across time and space. Themes include:
- A Tour of Vineyards Around the World
An incredible flight through wine landscapes around the world, projected onto 3 giant screens. - Planet Wine
A series of interactive globes showcasing the world economy of wine. - E-wines
Smart tablets provide an interactive look into the world of winegrowers and their craft. - The Metamorphosis of Wine
The secrets of winemakers of the world are finally revealed. - Portraits of Wine
6 giant bottles, each dedicated to a well-known wine family, give insight into different wines of the world. - From Water to Wine
Animated charts display the main river and maritime passageways of the world, from past to present. - Aboard a Boat
Celebrating the generations of merchants who transported wine across the seas. - The Great Gallery of Civilizations
An archaeological exploration of the great wine civilzations of the world. - An Exploration for All Senses
Understanding how all 5 senses play into the art of wine tasting. - Art and Divine Wine
A place of contemplation to discover the representation of wine in different religions and beliefs, including audiovisual commentary.
Address
La Cité du Vin
150,134, Quai de Bacalan
33300 Bordeaux