The Bordeaux Wine Festival is an annual wine event that takes place in the city of Bordeaux, located in the southwestern part of France. This festival is a celebration of the world-renowned wines of the Bordeaux region, which is one of the most famous wine-producing regions in the world.
The Bordeaux Wine Festival is a must-see event for any wine enthusiast, foodie, or cultural traveller. It provides a unique opportunity to sample some of the finest wines in the world, experience the rich history and culture of Bordeaux, and enjoy live music and entertainment.
The Bordeaux Wine Festival in 2023 is set to take place from June 22nd to June 25th, with a series of Avant-Première events scheduled from June 12th to June 15th. These warm-up events provide an early start to the festival atmosphere and offer visitors a sneak peek at what to expect during the main event. The Avant-Première events feature pre-festival wine tastings, exclusive dinners, and other unique experiences, allowing visitors to get a head start on their festival experience. This preview period offers the perfect opportunity to discover the wide range of wines that will be showcased at the festival. The festival is easy to find, located alongside the Garonne River in central Bordeaux.
Tasting the Wines of Bordeaux
The heart of the Bordeaux Wine Festival is the wine-tasting experience, where visitors can taste a wide variety of wines from the Bordeaux region, both red and white wines, as well as rosé, sparkling, and sweet wines. The wines are produced from a variety of grapes, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Blanc.
The festival offers a unique opportunity to sample wines from different regions and winemakers and to learn about the different grape varieties and production methods used in Bordeaux.
Red Wines from Bordeaux
Bordeaux is famous for its red wines, which are made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes. These wines are often described as full-bodied and complex, with flavours of dark fruits, spices, and herbs.
White Wines from Bordeaux
White wines from Bordeaux are made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes. These wines are typically crisp and refreshing, with notes of citrus, tropical fruits, and honey.
Rosé Wines from Bordeaux
Bordeaux also produces rosé wines, which are made from a blend of red and white grapes. These wines are usually light and fruity, with flavours of strawberries, raspberries, and other red fruits.
Sparkling Wines from Bordeaux
Bordeaux produces some sparkling wines, which are made using the traditional method (the same method used to make Champagne). These wines are typically dry and crisp, with flavours of green apple and citrus.
Sweet Wines from Bordeaux
Bordeaux sweet wines are made from grapes that have been affected by noble rot (a type of fungus that concentrates the sugars in the grapes). These wines are often described as rich and luscious, with flavours of honey, apricot, and caramel.
Exploring the City of Bordeaux
The Bordeaux Wine Festival is an experience that goes beyond just wine tastings. It presents visitors with the opportunity to explore the charming city of Bordeaux itself, situated along the banks of the picturesque Garonne River. Boat tours of the river provide visitors with breathtaking views of the city's impressive architecture and its fascinating historic landmarks.
The festival also features a "Wine Route", which takes visitors on a tour of the various wine regions of Bordeaux. This allows visitors to see the vineyards and wineries up close and to learn more about the wine production process.
Cultural Events and Entertainment
The Bordeaux Wine Festival is not just about wine; it also features a range of cultural events and entertainment. The festival hosts live music performances, dance shows, and fireworks displays. The festival also offers gourmet food stalls, where visitors can sample local cuisine and attend cooking demonstrations.
The festival also includes a number of cultural and historical exhibitions, which offer insights into the rich history and culture of the Bordeaux region. This is a great way to learn more about the region and experience its unique blend of French and Basque cultures.
How to get your tickets
The Bordeaux Wine Festival is not free to attend, but the cost of admission is reasonable. In general, there are several different ticket options available, depending on what you would like to do and see at the festival. Until May 31st, the Tasting Passes are on pre-sale at the special price of €19 (instead of €22). Visit the website to get all the information about the festival. Check it out here.
One popular option at the Bordeaux Wine Festival is the "Wine Pass", which allows visitors to taste an array of wines from various regions of Bordeaux. The Wine Pass includes a tasting glass with a glass holder and visitors receive 11 tasting tokens, which can be used to sample a wide variety of wines from the festival's participating wineries as well as one workshop at the Bordeaux Wine School pavilion. The cost of the Wine Pass typically ranges from €19-€22, depending on any available early bird offers. Visitors who wish to indulge further in the tasting experience can also purchase additional tasting tokens separately. This option allows wine enthusiasts to explore the diverse flavours of Bordeaux's wines, making the Wine Pass an excellent value and an integral part of the festival experience.
Visitors can also take part in wine workshops and seminars led by experts in the field. These sessions offer a more in-depth look at the wines of Bordeaux, including their history, production methods, and unique characteristics. There are also other ticket options available that may include extras such as a guided tour, access to VIP areas or to the festival's concerts and shows, and more tasting tokens.
Visit the Bordeaux Wine Festival
The festival is one of the largest wine events in France, and it has been growing in popularity over the years. According to the festival's organizers, the 2019 edition of the festival drew more than 400,000 visitors over the course of 4 days. The Bordeaux Wine Festival is a must-see event for anyone who loves wine, food, and French culture. It offers a unique opportunity to taste some of the world's finest wines while experiencing the rich history and culture of the Bordeaux region. With its stunning location, gourmet food stalls, live music performances, and cultural events, the festival is truly an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a wine enthusiast, a foodie, or a cultural traveller, the Bordeaux Wine Festival is an event not to be missed. Visit Bordeaux Wine Festival Official Website here.
