La Cité du Vin and Via Sensoria

  • A Monument to Wine and Culture
    Nestled in the heart of Bordeaux, La Cité du Vin stands as a monument to the timeless relationship between wine and culture that’s seamlessly woven into the fabric of the city. Architects from XTU, Anouk Legendre and Nicolas Desmazières, designed a bold architectural masterpiece that’s shaped by symbols of identity: gnarled vine stock, wine swirling in a glass, and eddies on the Garonne. Every detail of the architecture evokes wine’s soul and liquid nature: ‘seamless roundness, intangible and sensual’.

    The Permanent Exhibition: A Global Journey Through Wine
    La Cité du Vin invites visitors to embark on a global journey through the history, geography, and culture of wine. Its 3,000 square meter Permanent Exhibition is a digital marvel, a tapestry of interactive experiences that span 18 themed areas, each offering a unique perspective on wine’s role in shaping civilizations. The exhibition is designed for exploration—there is no prescribed route, allowing each visitor to tailor their experience based on their interests. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious novice, the exhibition is a multisensory feast, enriched by the innovative digital exhibition guide that adapts to your preferences, offering commentary in eight languages.
    As you wander through the exhibition, you’re not just a spectator; you’re an active participant in a narrative that has spanned millennia. The journey is educational yet playful, immersive, and at times, profoundly moving.

    Via Sensoria: A Poetic Journey Through the Seasons
    Yet, La Cité du Vin offers more than just intellectual enrichment. It is a celebration of the senses, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Via Sensoria experience. Via Sensoria is not merely an exhibition; it is a poetic journey through the seasons, guided by the rhythms of nature and the flavors of wine. This hour-long stroll, led by a knowledgeable sommelier, takes visitors through four pavilions, each dedicated to a different season. The design, conceived by Atelier Sylvain Roca, envelops visitors into the sights, sounds, and scents of each season, creating an atmosphere that is both meditative and evocative.

    Spring: The Awakening of Nature
    In the Spring, you awaken to the gentle stirrings of nature, seated on a circular bench surrounded by screens that depict the rebirth of life. Here, a glass of Prosecco Superiore DOCG mirrors the freshness of the morning dew, its fine bubbles a perfect reflection of the season’s energy. 

    Summer: A Celebration of Sun and Light
    Summer brings the heat of the midday sun, where you find respite in a shaded pavilion. The wine of choice is a refreshing rosé from Provence and as you sip, you are transported to the beaches of the Mediterranean, enjoying the pleasures of Summer.

  • Autumn: Reflection and Harvest
    Autumn, with its rich tapestry of colors and textures, is a time of reflection and harvest. The pavilion evokes the changing leaves and the winds that strip the trees bare, setting the stage for a tasting of a robust red wine from South Australia. Its complex flavors, rich with notes of fruit and spice, are a perfect match for the season’s introspective mood.

    Winter: Cozy Comfort and Festive Magic
    Finally, Winter descends, and you are cocooned in a warm, comforting space that evokes the coziness of the season. A glass of Sauternes from Bordeaux, with its sweet, golden notes, is a fitting end to the journey, evoking the festive spirit of the holidays.

    The Belvédère: A Panoramic Perspective on Bordeaux
    No visit to La Cité du Vin would be complete without ascending to the Belvédère, perched 35 meters high on the eighth floor. This breathtaking vantage point offers a 360° panorama of Bordeaux, inviting visitors to see the city from a new perspective. Like a watchtower overlooking the Gironde, the Belvédère is the culmination of the Permanent Exhibition, providing a natural continuity from the immersive experiences below.

    Plan Your Visit
    La Cité du Vin is not just a museum; it’s a complete sensory journey that immerses you in the world of wine from every angle. To make the most of your visit, start by exploring the Permanent Exhibition, where digital and interactive displays will guide you through the history, geography, and culture of wine. Allocate at least two hours, though wine enthusiasts might find themselves spending half a day here. For a more tailored experience, consider using the digital exhibition guide, which allows you to customize your visit based on your interests and the time you have available.
    In this remarkable space, adorned with a monumental chandelier of thousands of bottles and a 10-meter oak counter, visitors are invited to taste wines from a curated selection of the world’s finest wine regions. The selection, regularly updated in partnership with inter-professional organizations, allows visitors to savor a glass of wine that complements the stunning view. The Belvédère is more than just a tasting room; it is a symbolic assertion of La Cité du Vin’s role as both a beacon of Bordeaux’s rich wine heritage and a window to the wider world of wine.

    Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended, as it allows you to plan your day efficiently and ensures availability for the more popular experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just beginning your exploration, La Cité du Vin offers an unforgettable adventure into the world of wine.