Tasting workshops
Fancy a wine tasting in Bordeaux? Discover the workshops at the Cité du Vin: introductory sessions, Bordeaux 360°, after-work events…
In Bordeaux, wine tasting is an unmissable experience for discovering wine culture and learning to recognise aromas, grape varieties and terroirs...
At the Cité du Vin, several tasting workshops allow you to tailor this experience to your own tastes and preferences: would you like to take part in an introductory session open to everyone? Taste wines from around the world? Experience a sensory journey through the vineyards of Bordeaux? Whether you’re a beginner, a wine lover or a true enthusiast, find the workshop that’s right for you at the heart of one of Bordeaux’s most iconic venues
Wine tastings are for people aged 18 and over.
Our wine-tasting workshops at the Cité du Vin
Introduction to wine tasting workshop
Have you always wanted to participate in a wine tasting session but never dared to do so? This guided, friendly introductory wine-tasting workshop is just the thing for you!
During this one-hour wine tasting workshop, led by a sommelier, you’ll taste three wines from vineyards in different regions of the world, drawing in turn on each of the senses involved in wine tasting: sight, smell and taste. Ideal for beginners, you’ll learn the basics of wine tasting, such as observing the colour, recognising aromas and using retro-olfaction.
Every day at 3.00 pm, french speaking workshop, but also accessible in all languages, via simultaneous translation (written and spoken) thanks to the equipment included.
Bordeaux 360° tasting workshop
Explore the diversity of Bordeaux wines through a unique tasting experience, offering a 360° immersion in the Bordeaux vineyards.
Over the course of an hour, accompanied by a sommelier guide, you are invited to taste four styles of Bordeaux wine whilst discovering the different vineyards, their varied landscapes and the distinctive characteristics of their terroirs, to gain a better understanding of the appellations.
An enriching experience that will take you on a journey through the region, from an oyster hut in the Arcachon Basin to a rooftop bar in Bordeaux, via the Médoc and the Libournais (Saint-Émilion).
The workshop is conducted in French and English, depending on the day and time.
Via Sensoria : a unique sensory tasting experience
More than just a wine-tasting workshop, Via Sensoria is a unique immersive experience, taking the form of a sensory journey through the four seasons.For an hour, as part of a small group, you’ll be guided by a sommelier on a leisurely stroll that invites you to switch off and let go, whilst tasting four Bordeaux wines, each paired with the season you’re experiencing.
The added bonus of this experience: four original non-alcoholic drinks are available for those who do not like wine or do not drink alcohol, but also so that you can share this moment with your family, including children!
The experience is conducted in French, English or Spanish, depending on the time slot. Until 1 November 2026.
Which wine-tasting workshop should I choose?
| Introduction to wine tasting | Bordeaux 360° | Via Sensoria | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What sort of experience? | A friendly workshop, similar to a wine-tasting course, to learn the basics of wine tasting | An immersive workshop in a room with 360° screens, exploring the vineyards of Bordeaux | A tasting experience that takes you on a journey through different tastings, sensations and artistic worlds |
| Who is it for? | Adults | Adults | Adults + Children |
| Which wines will be tasted? (or drinks) | 3 wines from around the world | 4 Bordeaux wines | 4 Bordeaux wines or 4 non-alcoholic drinks or a mix of both |
| How long? | 1h | 1h | 1h |
| In which language? | French + all languages (simultaneous translation) | French / English | French / English / Spanish |
Evening after-work wine tastings: every Thursday at the Cité du Vin
Every Thursday evening, the Cité du Vin offers two tasting workshop sessions to continue exploring the world of wine through new themes, whether through food and wine pairings or by focusing on a particular wine-producing region of the world!
- Food and wine pairings: Some workshops are run in partnership with the AANA (the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Food Agency) and are dedicated to unique pairings between savoury or sweet dishes from Nouvelle-Aquitaine and wines from France and around the world. Others are organised by Chef Jésus and supported by La Compagnie Fermière, showcasing cuisine inspired by other cultures whilst celebrating the riches of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, with canapés created by a chef from Bordeaux.
- Themed workshops: A closer look at a specific region, grape variety or style of wine.
- Wines of the world: A partner wine-growing region, either in France or abroad, is showcased, allowing you to discover its key characteristics and a selection of its wines.
Don’t forget our Afterwork loyalty card!
Do you regularly take part in our tasting after-work events? Once you’ve attended five after-work workshops, we’ll treat you to the sixth! Your loyalty card is valid for workshops at full price as well as those at reduced rates and for subscribers. Don’t forget to ask the sommeliers for yours.
Plan your visit
Have you chosen your tasting experience? Here is all the practical information you need to plan your visit to the Cité du Vin and make the most of your experience in Bordeaux:
⏱️ Opening times and bookings
The timings for tasting workshops vary depending on the time of year. As they take place at specific times and places are limited, we recommend checking the calendar and booking your workshop in advance. On the day of your visit, please arrive outside the workshop room on the first floor five minutes before the time shown on your ticket.
→ View available workshops on the calendar
📍 Getting to the Cité du Vin
The Cité du Vin is easily accessible from the centre of Bordeaux by public transport, on foot, by bike or by car. Situated on the banks of the Garonne, it’s an easy stop to fit into your day exploring Bordeaux.
🎟️ Tickets and combined experiences
To make the most of your visit, the wine-tasting experiences can be combined with a tour of the Permanent Exhibition via combined tickets, which offer a 30 per cent discount on the Permanent Exhibition.
Why choose the Cité du Vin for a wine tasting in Bordeaux?
Discovering wine is a must when visiting Bordeaux! More than just a simple wine tasting, this discovery forms part of a wider experience at the Cité du Vin, which combines culture, sensory discovery and an insight into vineyards from around the world.
A unique wine experience in the heart of Bordeaux
Situated close to Bordeaux city centre, in the heart of a region world-renowned for its vineyards, the Cité du Vin is a cultural venue entirely dedicated to wine culture. Easily accessible on the banks of the Garonne, a wine tasting at the Cité du Vin allows you to combine exploring wine with exploring the city!
Before or after a workshop, you can also visit the Permanent Exhibition with a combined ticket and explore its many interactive features to deepen your knowledge of the history, cultures, lifestyle and practices associated with wine.
Expert sommelier guides
Don’t worry – you don’t need to be an expert to take part in a wine tasting at the Cité du Vin! Our workshops are designed to allow everyone to progress at their own pace, whatever their level of knowledge about the world of wine, whether you’ve taken an interest in it before or not.
You’ll be guided by professionals who’ll teach you how to observe, smell and taste wine by engaging your senses. The aim is to help you understand what you’re tasting by putting your sensations into words.
This educational approach makes it possible, in particular, to explore the main stages of wine tasting, aromas, grape varieties, terroirs and the characteristics of different wines in a step-by-step manner.
An experience combining culture, immersion, sensory exploration, discovery and tasting
What makes the Cité du Vin so special? It offers you an approach to wine that goes beyond mere tasting! Here, wine is approached as a true aspect of civilisation, exploring the history, cultures and diversity of the world’s wines.
Depending on the experience you choose, you can journey through the vineyards of Bordeaux and around the world, develop your sensory perception or discover new ways of appreciating wine. Thanks to the numerous partnerships in place, you can taste wines from over 50 wine-growing regions across the globe.
A visit to the Cité du Vin can therefore round off a trip to the Bordeaux vineyards: after exploring a château and its terroir, extend the experience in Bordeaux!
Book your wine-tasting workshop at the Cité du Vin
Discover our wine-tasting workshops, learn the basics of wine appreciation and enjoy a unique sensory experience in the heart of Bordeaux. Book your place now or treat someone to an unforgettable experience with our gift vouchers.
Discover or rediscover wine around a theme or a wine region with our multiple tasting workshop offers. From the discovery of taste to that of a specific terroir, there is something for everyone and for every taste!
Your questions
You can find the most frequently asked questions about the tasting workshops here, or view all the questions in the FAQ section.
Where can you go for a wine tasting in Bordeaux?
The Cité du Vin offers a range of wine-tasting experiences in the heart of Bordeaux: the Introductory Wine Tasting Workshop, Bordeaux 360° and Via Sensoria. These experiences allow you to discover wine from different perspectives, from learning the basics of wine tasting to an immersive sensory experience.
Which wine-tasting workshop should you choose if you’re just starting out?
If you have no particular knowledge of wine, the Cité du Vin’s Introductory Wine Tasting Workshop is the best choice. It enables you to discover the main stages of wine tasting, develop your senses and acquire the basics to better understand wine. No prior experience is necessary; you will be guided by a sommelier.
How much does a wine tasting cost in Bordeaux?
The price of a wine tasting in Bordeaux varies depending on the type of experience, its duration and the number of wines on offer. At the Cité du Vin, there are several workshops and experiences available at different prices. Check prices and availability online before booking so that you can choose the experience that suits your budget.
Can a tasting workshop be given as a gift?
Yes, a wine-tasting experience can be an original wine-themed gift idea for a wine lover or someone keen to discover the world of wine! La Cité du Vin offers gift vouchers all year round, in various denominations, which can be used towards all its offerings, including wine-tasting workshops.
Do I need to book my workshop in advance?
We recommend booking your tasting workshop in advance, as places are limited. When booking online, you can choose your preferred date and time directly.
Can you visit the Belvédère on its own, without visiting the rest of the Cité du Vin?
The Cité du Vin’s Belvédère is accessible only with an admission ticket to the Permanent Exhibition (except for holders of the Cité du Vin Annual Pass, who may visit as often as they like). From a height of 35 metres on the 8th floor, the Belvédère offers a unique panoramic view of Bordeaux and forms an integral part of the cultural experience of the Permanent Exhibition, allowing you to enjoy a glass of wine chosen from a selection of vineyards from around the world! (or a fruit juice). You can choose to enjoy one or two glasses of wine, depending on the ticket you have selected.