10 Years of Cité du Vin Museum

Bordeaux’s flagship wine museum is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a series of unmissable events…

Since it opened its doors on June 1, 2016, la Cité du Vin in Bordeaux has established itself as one of the world’s premier cultural destinations dedicated to the heritage, history and living culture of wine. In 2026, as it marks its 10th anniversary, the institution is rolling out a programme of special events and experiences that make this year a compelling time to visit this unique place dedicated to wine around the world.

Over the past decade, more than 3.5m visitors from around the world have explored its innovative approach to wine heritage, confirming its status as a global reference point for wine culture and education. At the heart of the experience is an interactive, multisensory journey designed to delight aficionados and novices alike.

The permanent exhibition spans 3,000m² of interactive galleries that explore vineyard landscapes, winemaking techniques and the cultural, historical and environmental challenges facing wine today. Digital installations allow guests to ‘fly’ over wine regions, test their sense of smell with aroma activities and even tread grapes virtually. For children aged seven to 12, a dedicated ‘Juniors’ tour on the audio guide leads them through the permanent exhibition with playful, age-appropriate prompts and activities. Meanwhile, the sensory, interactive elements also speak to younger visitors, with plenty to see, smell and explore. Round off your visit on the eighth-floor observation platform, 35m up, where you can soak up the 360-degree panorama over Bordeaux and the River Garonne, while enjoying a glass of wine or organic fruit juice (included with entry).

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the Cité du Vin is hosting a series of special events. These include a free photography exhibition, Around the World in 50 Wine Regions, from February 12 to December 31, which showcases 50 wine region partners from across the globe. In April, the Via Sensoria sensory tasting journey returns with a Bordeaux-focused edition, pairing wines with seasonal atmospheres to stimulate sight, sound, scent and taste. Further highlights include a big anniversary weekend in early June, and Mediterranean Season from September 30 to October 4, celebrating wine, food and music from Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia. Special anniversary products in the on-site boutique include collaborations with Maison Petrusse and a commemorative French postage stamp. Professional audiences are also involved, with B2B open days later in the year.

Anniversary celebrations aside, the Cité du Vin also functions as a lively cultural venue. Tasting workshops, temporary exhibitions, restaurants, a wine shop and a concept boutique dedicated to wine and l’art de vivre encourage visitors to linger. Its riverside gardens provide a relaxed setting that contrasts with the hi-tech exhibition spaces inside. It is this vibrant blend of education, tasting and leisure that has helped establish the Cité du Vin as a major cultural and tourist attraction in Bordeaux. The museum also places strong emphasis on environmental and social responsibility, reflected in several quality and accessibility certifications.

Open daily from 10am, it is a landmark destination where global wine culture is explored through architecture, technology and human stories.

www.laciteduvin.com/en

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Lead photo credit : La Cité du Vin©Photo Anaka-XTU architects