In June 2016, Bordeaux’s striking wine museum and cultural center, La Cité du Vin, opened its doors on the banks of the Garonne. Ten years on, more than 3.5 million visitors from around the globe have come to explore the civilizations, cultures, and stories of wine that unfold inside this architectural marvel.
La Cité du Vin in Bordeaux was designed by French architects Anouk Legendre and Nicolas Desmazières of the Paris-based firm XTU Architects. The iconic, sinuous building was inspired by the movement of wine, gnarled vine stock, and the nearby Garonne River. The permanent exhibition inside was designed by Casson Mann.
A Bordeaux Icon Turns 10
La Cité du Vin has been more than a museum. Its immersive permanent exhibitions, hands‑on workshops, themed tastings, and temporary shows, are part of the cultural season of Bourdeaux. It has become a global showcase for wine as a universal, shared heritage, welcoming everyone from curious novices to seasoned oenophiles. What keeps people coming back is the variety and creativity of the programming: interactive exhibits, multi‑sensory tasting experiences, and events that link wine to art, film, history, and the environment, all presented in a way that is accessible and playful.
“Around the World in 50 Wine Regions”
From February 13 through the end of 2026, visitors will find a free, open‑access photo exhibition, “Around the World in 50 Wine Regions.” Fifty‑four photographs pay tribute to La Cité du Vin’s wine partners across the globe, from Bordeaux to every continent. Each partner has chosen a single image that captures the soul of its wine country: a landscape, a winemaker’s gesture, a historic building, village life, or a cherished tradition. These partners provide the “ambassador wines” that visitors taste throughout the year during the museum’s various activities, helping La Cité du Vin fulfill its mission of making the living, universal heritage of wine accessible to as many people as possible.
Via Sensoria: A 100% Bordeaux Tasting Journey
From April 1 to November 1, 2026, the Cité’s immersive tasting experience Via Sensoria returns in a special all‑Bordeaux edition. This multi‑sensory “tasting trail” focuses, for the first time, on a single wine region, Bordeaux, explored through four different styles.
Throughout the experience, guests discover seasonal wine pairings that showcase the full diversity of Bordeaux wines, within an evolving sensory setting that introduces new games and interactive tasting elements each year. A sommelier guides visitors through the four fundamental tastes: salty, sweet, acidic, and bitter using complementary taste experiences to understand flavor.
June Party Weekend on the Garonne
An anniversary calls for a party, and La Cité du Vin has a big one planned from June 4 to 7, 2026. Over several days, the venue shifts into full festival mode. A free evening open house invites visitors to wander the interactive permanent exhibition by night and take in panoramic views over Bordeaux from the Belvedere. Highlights include an open‑air music night in the gardens featuring live concerts, DJ sets, performance art, food trucks, and a festive outdoor bar.
A Cultural Season with a “10 Years” Twist
The 10th‑anniversary spirit will also run through La Cité du Vin’s two main cultural seasons, January–June and September–December 2026. During the first half of the year, a series of special events has been curated to reflect on the creation and impact of La Cité du Vin.
Highlights include a talk with Sylvie Cazes, President of the Foundation for Wine Culture and Civilizations, on June 16. Wine lovers can look forward to a sparkling “Champagne!” tasting of the 2016 vintage, the year the Cité opened, on June 4. Additional anniversary‑themed events will roll out between September and December.
Mediterranean Season: From Bordeaux to the Blue Coast
From September 30 to October 4, a special “Mediterranean Season” will spotlight wine cultures from around the Mediterranean basin. Travelers can expect themed tastings, encounters with winegrowers and experts, and festive gatherings that explore Mediterranean art de vivre, flavors, and traditions.
For travelers planning a trip to Bordeaux in 2026, this is the year to go: La Cité du Vin is marking its 10th anniversary with a full calendar of special events, tastings, exhibitions, and festivals running all year long, making it a must visit this year.