By Cécile — June 2026 — 4 min read

Bordeaux, wine capital of the world. Everyone knows that. But beyond the label, the reality is far richer than a simple cellar tasting. Here, wine is something you live, walk, and feel. Here are five ways to explore it differently — tried and tested by your hosts in the Saint-Michel neighbourhood.

1. Via Sensoria at the Cité du Vin: Wine Through All Five Senses

Since April 2026, the Cité du Vin has been offering Via Sensoria, a brand-new immersive sensory experience. Light, sound, scent, texture: the journey takes you into the world of wine through all five senses, far beyond simply holding a glass.

The building itself is worth the visit — its golden silhouette on the banks of the Garonne has become one of Bordeaux's iconic landmarks. And right now, the Cité du Vin is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special programme running until July: free events, animations and exclusive exhibitions.

Getting there: Tram line B, stop Cité du Vin (20 min from the B&B). Allow around 2 hours.

2. The Grand Cru Weekend: 120 Classified Châteaux on the Waterfront

Every year in early June, Hangar 14 on the quays transforms into a temple of Bordeaux wine. The Weekend des Grands Crus brings together 120 classified châteaux — Médoc, Graves, Saint-Émilion, Sauternes — for three days of tastings by the river.

It's a rare chance to taste so many great wines in one place, without a car, in a spectacular riverside setting. The winemakers are there in person and genuinely enjoy talking with visitors. An experience we recommend to all our wine-loving guests.

Getting there: Hangar 14, quai des Chartrons. A 25-min walk along the riverbank from the B&B, or tram line C.

3. The CIVB Wine Bar: Every Appellation in One Glass

The Bordeaux Wine Trade Council runs a wine bar right in the city centre, steps from the Place de la Bourse. It's the ideal spot to explore Bordeaux's appellations without spending a fortune or renting a car: Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Pessac-Léognan, Entre-Deux-Mers... around fifty references available by the glass, with knowledgeable advice on hand.

Perfect for building your preferences before heading out to visit châteaux, or simply for a pleasant hour in the heart of the city.

Getting there: 3 cours du XXX Juillet, Bordeaux. A 20-min walk from the B&B.

4. Cycling Through the Vines: Saint-Émilion or the Entre-Deux-Mers

For those who prefer open air to cellars, a day cycling through the Bordeaux vineyards is an experience in itself. Saint-Émilion and the Entre-Deux-Mers offer quiet roads and paths that wind between the plots, with tasting stops at local producers along the way.

Saint-Émilion is easily reached by regional train from Gare Saint-Jean (35 min), with bike rental available on arrival. The Entre-Deux-Mers can be reached by bike directly from central Bordeaux via the Roger Lapébie cycle path — a former railway line converted into a 47 km greenway winding through vineyards, forests and bastide villages all the way to Sauveterre-de-Guyenne.

Getting there: Bike rental is available in the village of Saint-Émilion (Véloce, Lovelec 33).

5. Our Wine Selection at the B&B: Leave with a Great Bottle

We couldn't write this list without mentioning what we offer right here. Our B&B has a selection of Bordeaux wines available to purchase on-site: Médoc, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Margaux, dry whites, champagne... Carefully chosen references from both banks of the Garonne, for all budgets.

It's a convenient way to take home a souvenir, pick up a gift, or simply enjoy a bottle in your equipped studio kitchen.

Practical: Browse the full selection and order directly at bordeauxsaintmichel.com/vins

Bordeaux has plenty of surprises in store for those who take the time to explore it, glass in hand. All of these experiences are accessible from the Saint-Michel neighbourhood — some on foot, others by tram or train.

Find all our vineyard and wine tour suggestions at bordeauxsaintmichel.com/autour-de-bordeaux.

Ready to make Bordeaux your wine-lover's playground? Book your studio directly on our site and save ~10% compared to booking platforms. 👉 Book your stay →