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A toast to La Cité du Vin

“Every detail of the building, evokes wine’s soul and liquid nature: seamless roundness, intangible and sensual." Anouk Legendre and Nicolas Desmazières, architects of La Cité du Vin.

La Cité du Vin (The City of Wine) is a journey through the world of wine from its earliest beginnings some 8,000 years ago to the modern period in a contemporary 3,000 m² exhibition space above the Garonne River in Bordeaux.

There are 19 thematic interactive displays exploring the cultivation of wine starting with a film that takes you on a world wine tour. On the terroir table, winemakers from 10 wine regions in the world talk about the development of their vineyards.  The gallery of civilizations expounds on the topic of divine wine, medical wine, celebratory wine and sustaining wine and how these have accompanied us through the ages. These are just a few of the highlights of an afternoon full of discoveries at La Cité du Vin. My personal favorite was the buffet of the five senses where I could get a sniff of the various scents associated with wine which was a “nose” opener. Now I am more sensitive to the bouquet of wine.

The section on wine portraits is dedicated to the history, production and tasting of major wine categories: red, dry white, rosé, sweet, sparkling, fortified,  It is the most visually attractive area with floor-to-ceiling wooden wine bottle-shaped stations. The shiny green and silver pod interactive displays are a magnet for children.

The reading room has plenty of resources on the world of wine and access is free. 

  
Thousands of empty bottles form a massive chandelier above the bar at the Belvedere on the top floor of the museum. A glass of wine of your choice is included with the entrance fee of €20. 

There is a 360° view of Bordeaux and the surrounding countryside from the Belvedere. The Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas is a vertical lift bridge connecting the left and right banks of the Garonne river. 

The easiest way to get to La Cité du Vin from Bordeaux city center is to take Tram B from Quinconces to the Cité du Vin tram stop (shown above). The museum is a short walk from the stop. Fare is €1.70 for a single ticket. You may buy ticket from the bus driver or at machines at tram stops and online at https://www.infotbm.com/fr/titres-et-tarifs/ticket-1-2-10-voyages

La Cité du Vin
Esplanade de Pontac, 134 Quai de Bacalan

Hungry after the absorbing tour of the museum? There are two dining options on the premises, Le 7 Panoramic Restaurant and Latitude 20. Or cross the street from the museum and savor the offerings of the food hall, Les Halles de Bacalan.

*****

Images by TravelswithCharie 


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Location: Bordeaux, France

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