Despite its status as one of the world’s great wine capitals — the Bordelais would say their city is the great wine capital — wine bars have only recently become popular in Bordeaux. Happily, now it’s possible to sample some really excellent wines by the glass at a number of stylish and hospitable places. Perhaps the most eagerly awaited debut of the year will be at the dramatically designed La Cité du Vin, a multimedia exposition center devoted to the history, geography, geology and art of wine that is scheduled to open in June.
Run by the Bordeaux Wine Council, this stylish wine bar in the heart of the city pours an encyclopedic range of Bordeaux wines and is ideal for either an aperitif or a nightcap.
Bar à Vin
3 Cours du XXX Juillet. Tel. (33) 5-56-00-43-47.
Popular with a younger crowd, this fashionable stand-up wine bar offers a great selection of French and foreign wines, along with open sandwiches and foie gras. Thirty-two wines are offered, and you serve yourself in three different-sized glasses using a magnetic card purchased on arrival.
Aux Quatre Coins du Vin
8 Rue de la Devise. Tel. (33) 5-57-34-37-29.
A perfect choice for a light lunch since it serves excellent cheese and charcuterie plates, this friendly place has a spectacular selection of Pomerol, Margaux and Sauternes by the glass.
Le Wine Bar
19 Rue des Bahutiers. Tel. (33) 6-76-00-50-54.
The list changes regularly at this popular wine bar in the heart of the city, but grands crus by the glass are frequently offered at very reasonable prices.
Wine More Time
8 Rue Saint-James. Tel. (33) 5-56-52-85-61.
Andrew Harper members have access to full travel-planning services through Andrew Harper Travel.
1 (800) 375-4685
Open M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM CT
