Wine, gastronomy and culture : Bordeaux Fête le Vin 2023 promises to be grandiose !

History of Bordeaux Fête le Vin

Bordeaux Fête le Vin is an annual celebration of wine that began in 1998 and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. Since then, the event has grown into one of the largest wine festivals in France. This festive event was traditionally organized every two years and following the success of the 2022 edition, this event will now be held every year in June to enliven the Bordeaux metropolis.

This event was born at the end of the 1990s, under the impetus of the new Mayor of Bordeaux elected in 1995: Alain Juppé. He initiated an urban project that aimed to give the people of Bordeaux the pleasure of being close to the Garonne. The quays are being redeveloped and are naturally a place to live and stroll, which he also wants to transform into a place to celebrate. At the same time, he wanted to pay tribute to the wine industry and create a new dynamic around wine to stimulate the city. This idea led to the creation of Bordeaux Fête le Vin in June 1998, thanks to the happy union between the city and the wine world. Today, Bordeaux Fête le Vin has become the largest wine tourism festival in France !

©Guillaume Bonnaud

During the 4 days of the festival, visitors have the chance to discover the wines of Bordeaux and New Aquitaine and to taste regional specialties from local artisans and producers who are passionate about their authentic know-how. With all the gastronomic wealth of the New Aquitaine region, you will have the opportunity to discover or rediscover, all along the quays, the oysters of the Arcachon basin, the duck breast and foie gras of the Périgord or the real Basque cake of the Basque Country.

But what makes this event so successful are the wine tastings, the vineyard visits, the workshops organized by Bordeaux Fête le Vin, the concerts and the fireworks which are some of the activities offered to the visitors. Visitors also have the opportunity to meet winemakers and discover the secrets of wine production. Bordeaux Fête le Vin is a unique event for wine lovers and Bordeaux culture enthusiasts.

It is also a perfect opportunity to enjoy the cultural activities of the city of Bordeaux and to have a nightcap while enjoying the panoramic view of the whole city of Bordeaux from the Belvedere of the Cité du Vin or to change the theme and discover the latest immersive exhibitions at the Bassins des Lumières : the largest digital art center in the world.

The 2023 edition

The 2023 edition of Bordeaux Fête le Vin will take place from June 22 to 25, 2023 in various locations in Bordeaux, including the quays of the Garonne, the Place des Quinconces and the Place de la Bourse. The 2023 edition will be particularly festive, as it will mark the 25th anniversary of Bordeaux Fête le Vin.

Visitors will be able to participate in wine tastings in the appellations' pavilions set up on the quays of the Garonne. The winemakers will present their best wines, explaining the techniques of wine making and tasting. Visitors will also be able to buy their favorite wines on site.

©Guillaume Bonnaud

Restaurants in Bordeaux will offer special menus for the festival, including local dishes and wines from the region. Other catering options will include food trucks for fast food and bodegas for convivial seated dining. Visitors will also be able to attend cooking workshops to discover the secrets of Bordeaux's gastronomy or to learn more about wine by taking oenology classes to learn how to recognize the different aromas and flavors of wines.

Cultural and artistic activities are also planned during the event. Concerts, street performances, art exhibitions and fireworks will enliven the quays of the Garonne, as well as the other venues of the festival. For its 25th anniversary, Bordeaux Fête le Vin has planned a unique show : a ballet of drones during the evenings of June 23 and 24. Two unique and personalized aerial shows that will illuminate the sky of Bordeaux to highlight the wines of Bordeaux and biodiversity. These unique night shows will be offered free of charge to Bordeaux residents and visitors on the left bank of the Garonne. Bordeaux Fête le Vin is also an opportunity for visitors to discover the city of Bordeaux and its historical monuments such as the Grand Théâtre, also known as the National Opera of Bordeaux, located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, or the Cathedral of Saint-André, classified as a Historic Monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Finally, the last must-sees of the festival are of course the majestic sailing ships that are an integral part of the landscape. The presence of these great sailing ships, which have travelled the seas, is part of the essence of this annual Bordeaux event. Each year, these ships come to moor on the city's quays to allow visitors to admire them and enjoy a guided tour by the crew. A perfect opportunity to learn more about the history and operation of the ship or to admire the city from a new angle. The 2022 edition has welcomed historic sailing ships: Bélem, Nao Victoria and Thalassa. For the 2023 edition, it will be possible to visit the Belem again and discover the life-size replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon: El Galeón as well as the Santa Maria Manuela, the Portuguese four-masted schooner.

©Guillaume Bonnaud

All in all, Bordeaux Fête le Vin is an unmissable event for all wine and culture lovers. By offering a glimpse of Bordeaux's cultural, historical, and viticultural wealth, the festival helps make the city one of France's most popular destinations. Visitors can enjoy a unique event that combines fun, discovery and conviviality, while discovering the many wines and grape varieties of the region.

I reserve my Tasting Pass for the 2023 edition.