The Cité du Vin in Bordeaux, the new platform for wine tourism

On May 31st, many eyes will be on Bordeaux for the inauguration of La Cité du Vin. Befitting our wine heritage, the event is already shaping up to be exceptional and promises to be a fantastic showcase for French wine tourism. To tide us over, let's take a look at the project.

7 years of work since the launch of the La Cité du Vin project in Bordeaux

Conceived in 1995 by the current mayor of Bordeaux, Alain Juppé, the Cité du Vin project was officially launched in May 2009 with the ambition of promoting the cultural, universal, and living heritage of wine. Accompanied by Sylvie Cazes and Philippe Massol, the mayor of Bordeaux gradually brought together numerous public and private stakeholders around the project. The project also benefited from two renowned ambassadors: the world-renowned oenologist Robert Parker and the French artist Pierre Arditi, a passionate wine enthusiast. Supported and financed, construction of the future Cité du Vin began in early 2014, with completion scheduled for the end of March 2016. The total cost of the project was €81 million .

The colossal work of the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux

In January 2014, the foundations of the future Cité du Vin began on the banks of the Garonne River, in the Bassins à Flot district. Entrusted to a Parisian architectural firm, the building features modern architecture with curves inspired by the shape of the vine, the swirling motion of wine in a glass, and the eddies of the Garonne. To define the building's silhouette, the façade incorporates numerous glass and aluminum panels and is adorned with golden reflections, reminiscent of the blond stone of Bordeaux's buildings. With a spire reaching nearly 55 meters, the building is divided into 10 levels and represents a total surface area of ​​13,350 square meters .
The Cité du Vin will be able to rely on this impressive architecture to promote French wine tourism internationally . The site aims to attract 450,000 visitors from around the world each year .

The many visitor experiences offered at the Cité du Vin

Like the building itself, the visitor experience promises to be unique and surprising. Equipped with an interactive visitor guide, visitors will be able to explore 20 permanent themed areas dedicated to wine. The visit will include giant screen projections, interactive globes, a touch table, 3D images, tasting workshops, and multi-sensory experiences—all designed to immerse visitors in a unique journey of discovery into the culture and civilizations of wine. Visitors can also enjoy a world wine bar, a tapas bar, a fast-food area, a world wine shop, a souvenir shop, and a panoramic restaurant with exceptional views of Bordeaux. The Cité du Vin has everything it takes to attract numerous visitors and solidify Bordeaux's position as a must-see destination for wine lovers. It is scheduled to open to the public on June 1, 2016 .

The Cité du Vin: A wine tourism platform focused on vineyards

Beyond its innovative and interactive tours, the Cité du Vin aims to become a true wine tourism hub focused on vineyards. Offering a variety of new wine tourism experiences , the Bordeaux Métropole Tourist Office will occupy part of the building's ground floor and offer excursions to surrounding vineyards and many other wine regions worldwide. To extend their wine tourism experience beyond the Cité du Vin, visitors can take advantage of a shuttle bus service as well as a 90-meter-long pontoon, providing a starting and ending point for numerous excursions to and from the vineyards. The Cité du Vin promises to be a showcase for wine tourism and paves the way for the development of new initiatives in the vineyards. The project is expected to generate an estimated €40 million in economic benefits for the local economy .

Quentin ( The Grapes )