If you’re a wine enthusiast, Bordeaux Fête le Vin is the grape escape you don’t want to miss. This open-air festival is held annually in the charming city of Bordeaux, France, and celebrates the region’s rich wine heritage and culture in a laid-back and festive atmosphere.

This year, it was held from June 20th to 23rd, the event promised an unforgettable experience along the picturesque Quays of the Garonne River—and, my glass goes up to them, they certainly delivered.

What to Expect

A World of Wine
Bordeaux is synonymous with luxurious wines, and yet, this festival was a testament to its range. While many might instantly link Bordeaux with robust reds, the festival showcased a wide range of whites, rosés, (amazing!) sweet wines, and even sparkling. With over 80 different wine appellations and 1200 winemakers and merchants grouped in nine appellation stands, there was something for every palate.

Tasting Pass
As part of the experience, with each ticket, you get a “Pass dégustation” which includes a tasting glass – and a super handy holder- and a card loaded with 11 wines to taste, a workshop at the Bordeaux Wine School, and other perks that will allow you explore the quality and diversity of Bordeaux wines up close.

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The Festival, however, is much more than just wine

Gourmet Food
No wine festival is complete without delicious food. From fresh oysters to local cheeses, gourmet food trucks and stalls offered regional specialities. Although the Festival is physically held at the Quay, the whole city celebrates! Many restaurants participated with special menus and activities, such as guided tastings led by winemakers, and by ensuring at least 50% of their wines on list were from Bordeaux as well as serving seasonal produce.

Cultural Activities
The festival wasn’t just about wine; it was a cultural showcase. Live music performances, both during the festival and in the weeks leading up to it, added to the vibrant atmosphere. Liverpool, the guest of honour, brought its lively music, art, and culinary scenes to Bordeaux. Other highlights included a comic book exhibition dedicated to wine (of course!), cooperage demonstrations (the making of barrels), and a dedicated area for children with fun, educational activities.

Tall Ships and History
Bordeaux’s maritime heritage was celebrated with the presence of magnificent tall ships like the Belem, the Français, the Morgenster and the Mutin. These Voiliers were not just historical vessels; they symbolised the intertwined history of wine and maritime trade in Bordeaux.

Sustainability at Its Heart

Bordeaux Fête le Vin was certified ISO 20121 for sustainable event management. The festival focused on eco-friendly practices, including organic and biodynamic wines, recycling initiatives, and promoting green transport. Decorations and games for the little ones, were understated, using natural and reused materials, emphasising the festival’s commitment to the environment.

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Exclusive Experiences

Grand Cru Classé 1855 Tasting

One of the most exclusive events was the Grand Cru Classé 1855 tasting. This prestigious classification, established in 1855 for the Exposition Universelle in Paris at the behest of Emperor Napoleon III, was a pivotal moment in Bordeaux wine history. The classification ranked wines based on their reputation and trading price, including only the best red wines from the Médoc, Sauternes, Barsac sweet white wines, and one exceptional wine from Graves. Here’s a taste of what we experienced:

Château de Camensac

Château de Camensac is a fascinating estate, not certified organic but practicing organic methods. Their vineyards are primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and the blend percentages change yearly to maintain their distinctive house style. Situated on gravel soil, they share a prestigious neighbour, Château Lagrange.

La Closerie de Camensac, 2018, This is their second label—a wine designed to be enjoyed young and offered at a more accessible price point. It offers a glimpse into the quality and style of their flagship wines, with a very drinkable and easy-going character.
Grand Vin du Chateau de Camensac, 2015, their flagship wine, a beautiful expression of fruit and spice, with smooth tannins and a velvety texture, indicating a shift towards a more fruit-forward style.
Grand Vin du Chateau de Camensac, 2011, A classic representation of the Medoc area with smoky notes, sandalwood, pepper, gripping tannins, and a robust structure featuring hints of chocolate.

Château Grand-Puy Ducasse

After three years of extensive renovations, Château Grand-Puy Ducasse from Paulliac will reopen their doors to the public, just after the festival. Their second label, Prelude was created to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1855 classification and their flagship wine has gotten the label revamped to celebrate the winery’s 200th anniversary.

Prélude 2019: his second label wine is predominantly Merlot, making it lighter and easy-drinking—perfect for casual enjoyment. It features smoky paprika hints, vibrant red fruit, and silky tannins.
Grand Vin du Château Grand-Puy Ducasse, 2020: A young and vigorous style that will excel with age.
Grand Vin du Château Grand-Puy Ducasse, 2016: A complex blend of smoked paprika, and floral hints, with gripping yet silky tannins and a touch of minerality, demonstrating the elegance and refinement of their wines.

Château Nairac

Known for their exquisite sweet wines from Barsac, Château Nairac’s offerings were a delight, with vineyards planted primarily with Sémillon (over 90%), along with smaller amounts of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.

Esquisse de Nairac, 2022: Medium-bodied with floral and tropical notes, balanced by honeyed pineapple, orange, and a touch of spice. This vintage is fresh and vibrant, promising a delightful drinking experience.
Grand Vin du Château Nairac, 2010: Rich and sweet with still refreshing acidity, featuring vanilla, honeyed pineapple, apricots, and white peach.
Grand Vin du Château Nairac, 2022: Bright and forward, with honeyed apricot, pineapple, and candied orange rind. This lush wine is already showing its potential to develop beautifully over time.

Château Guiraud

Château Guiraud, a Premier Cru Classé of Sauternes, is celebrated for its commitment to biodiversity and organic farming. It was one of the first Grand Cru Classé estates in Bordeaux to receive organic certification. Their wines offer a perfect balance of sweetness and complexity, with vineyards primarily planted with Sémillon (around 74%) and Sauvignon Blanc (around 26%). While their Sauvignon Blanc shines in a dry style, it’s their sweet wines that truly stand out.

Petit Guiraud, 2020: Their second wine, offering an approachable and delightful experience with a touch of sweetness and the hallmark elegance of Sauternes.
Grand Vin Blanc Sec du Château Guiraud, 2022: the only dry white wine of the evening, truly refreshing and minerall-driven, with a lean and precise style.
Grand Vin du Château Guiraud, 2010: The flagship wine, renowned for its rich, honeyed sweetness balanced by fresh acidity. It’s a symphony of tropical fruits, vanilla, and a hint of spice, perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes or enjoyed on its own.

The Grand Cru Classé tasting at Bordeaux Fête le Vin 2024 was an unforgettable experience, showcasing the rich diversity and excellence of Bordeaux wines. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, these wines offer a glimpse into the artistry and passion that define this legendary wine region. Here’s to savouring Bordeaux’s finest treasures!

Drone Show

A stunning drone show by Dronisos turned 500 drones into a celestial spectacle on Friday and Saturday nights, celebrating the festival and its supporters, a truly mesmerising event. If you’d like to see the full show, pop over to our Instagram or click on the Drone Show link here.

Visitor Tips

Transport: Bordeaux’s public transportation is super efficient and well-connected. We recommend you take day passes to make the most of it.
Comfort: With warm and sunny days, bringing sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle was essential to stay hydrated and protected, do not underestimate the French sun…
Extra Day: Visitors were encouraged to spend a full day at La Cité du Vin, a massive, interactive wine exhibition, or at the Bordeaux Wine School’s wine bar for a deeper dive into the world of wine.

Bordeaux Fête le Vin 2024 was a delightful celebration of wine, food, culture, and history. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the festival offered a unique opportunity to savor the best of Bordeaux in a festive, welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss your chance to experience Bordeaux’s timeless charm—mark your calendar for the next festival, running from June 19th to 22nd, 2025!