Bordeaux’s iconic Cité du Vin is raising a glass to a decade of success, marking its 10th anniversary in 2026 with a year-long calendar of celebrations.
Opened on June 1, 2016, the immersive wine museum has welcomed nearly 3.5 million visitors from across the globe. Over the past ten years, it has become a must-visit cultural attraction, offering a deep dive into wine civilizations through its permanent exhibition, tasting experiences, workshops, temporary exhibits and a packed events schedule.
The Cité du Vin remained one of the most popular cultural and tourist attractions in Bordeaux in 2025, welcoming 390,000 visitors. Although annual visitor numbers were down slightly last year (-6%) due to a less favorable national and international context and the gradual reintroduction of air links to European destinations, the Cité du Vin (with more than half of its visitors from outside France) nevertheless has reasons to celebrate.
A landmark attraction in Bordeaux
The striking contemporary building has become a defining feature of Bordeaux’s skyline and a major tourism draw. Its global appeal even saw it featured in the French government’s 2024 “Make it Iconic. Choose France” campaign.
Beyond its architecture, the venue’s success is driven by its diverse and evolving cultural program. Highlights include the revamped permanent exhibition (updated in 2023), immersive tasting journeys such as Via Sensoria, and original themed exhibitions exploring links between wine and art, music, history and design.
According to Managing Director Philippe Massol, the focus has always been on making wine culture accessible, engaging and environmentally conscious, helping build strong international recognition and excellent visitor satisfaction.
A full year of anniversary celebrations
Two cultural seasons (January–June and September–December) will also feature anniversary-themed programming, while the “Mediterranean Season” (September 30–October 4) will spotlight wines, cuisine and music from Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia.
Events for professionals and exclusive experiences
Industry professionals are also in focus. On February 13, a symposium titled “Does wine have a future without culture?” organized by Iter Vitis Europe. The event explored the role of wine in society amid economic, climate and social change.
In autumn, dedicated B2B open days will showcase the venue’s potential for private events, while the annual gala dinner returns on January 29 with a special anniversary edition. The evening will feature a menu by three-Michelin-star chef Mauro Colagreco.
Visitors can also pick up exclusive anniversary merchandise in the on-site boutique, including limited-edition collaborations and collectibles.
