Bordeaux is THE city of wine. In addition to visits to the cellars, it is possible to experiment with other unusual ways of discovering wine.

Creative and surprising ideas

A grape massage, a night in a barrel, a tasting tour, conferences on wine, mountain biking among the vines or even a comic strip painted with wine, wine tourism in Bordeaux is not lacking in creative and surprising ideas. to make you discover the vineyard, its riches and its history in an original way.

Sleep in a barrel

At the gates of Saint-Emilion, on the grounds of Château de Bonhoste, two giant barrels have grown in the middle of the vines. It is in these casks, specially designed by the prestigious Seguin Moreau cooperage, that you can stay. Usually used for aging and vinification of wines, the barrels are now cozy little cocoons, with a view of the vineyard. Breakfast is included as well as the guided tour of the Château de Bonhoste and a tasting. Love at first sight guaranteed.

• Castle of Bonhoste • 33420, Saint Jean de Blaignac • + 33 (0) 557841218 Bonhoste Castle

Discover vinotherapy at Caudalie

Treatments with extracts of grapes, red vine and essential oils to activate the circulation, a massage with grape seed oil or even a hand massage with fresh grape pulp, the wine therapists at Spa Caudalie use the virtues of grapes, particularly rich in polyphenols, a natural antioxidant to offer a range of original treatments combined with the virtues of hot water from the Sources de Caudalie.

• Caudalie Springs • Chemin de Smith Haut Lafitte, 33650 Bordeaux – Martillac • +33 (0) 5 57 83 83 83

Discovery of Saint-Emilion and the Cordeliers Cloister by electric Tuk-Tuk

The 14th century Cloister of the Cordeliers, an architectural masterpiece located in the heart of Saint-Émilion, is listed as a Historic Monument. Sparkling wines have been produced there since 1892 according to the traditional method, in the three kilometers of underground galleries. Guided tours on foot or by electric tuk-tuk are also organized from April to October to visit the wine tourism site and its underground galleries, the village of Saint-Émilion and end with a tasting of vintage crémants accompanied by a macaroon of Saint Emilion.

• Reservation on the Cloître des Cordeliers website • 2 bis rue de la porte Brunet • 05 57 24 42 13

The Harvest of Knowledge

Every first Tuesday of the month, at 7 p.m., curious people of all stripes, oenophiles, art and history lovers meet at La Cité du Vin for a conference organized as part of the Vendanges du Savoir and presented by researchers. The opportunity to discover the themes of university research around the vine and wine. From wine in painting to the history of the AOC law or the role of wine on health, the list of conferences whets the appetite and gives new relief to this decidedly fascinating beverage.

• The City of Wine • Esplanade de Pontac, 134 quai de Bacalan, 33000 Bordeaux • +33 (0) 5 56 16 20 20

A mountain bike tour of the vineyards

An original way to discover the vineyard and observe the fauna and flora that live there. Departing from the Batailleurs campsite, the 15-kilometre walk will take you through vineyards and valleys. You can enjoy the scenery at your own pace. A stopover at a winemaker in the appellation (a different chateau welcomes you each week) will be an opportunity for a convivial tasting.

• Reservation at the campsite: €18 per person (includes rental and tasting) • 2 Promenade du Bourdieu, 33350 Castillon-la-Bataille • +33 (0) 5 57 40 42 83

A tasting tour in Bordeaux

It is an appointment to share with family or friends that combines historical anecdotes and tasting sessions at wine merchants. A good alternative if you don’t have time to visit the vineyard.

At the end of this walk in the heart of Bordeaux, you will know when the first vines of Bordeaux were planted, you will master the basics of tasting and will know everything about the origin of cannelé, which is linked to wine! At each tasting stop, activities are planned for children according to their age: making little men out of wine corks, magic coloring and word puzzles.

• “Bacchus Wine Tour”, Les Ateliers de Bacchus • 61 rue Raymond Bordier, 33200 Bordeaux • +33 (0)6 61 85 00 80