Bordeaux Fête le Vin, also known as the Bordeaux Wine Festival, is a biennial celebration staged along the Garonne River in Bordeaux, France. The festival turns the city's quays into a mile-long "Wine Route," lined with pavilions representing more than 80 appellations from Bordeaux and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. It began in 1998 during the Football World Cup in France, building on wine promotion efforts that date back to 1909 with the Fête des Vendanges.
Because the festival runs every two years, the exact dates shift with each edition. Past editions, such as the one in 2025, were held in late June. Always confirm current dates and pass availability on the official Bordeaux Fête le Vin ticketing page before planning your trip.
Admission is free, but a Tasting Pass unlocks the wines
Admission to Bordeaux Fête le Vin is free and open to all, but to taste wines at the appellation pavilions you need a Tasting Pass. The pass is your entry to the festival's core experience, allowing you to sample wines from across the region. Without it, you can still enjoy the food vendors, live music, and drone show, but the tastings are off-limits. See the Bordeaux wine festival Fête le Vin guide for more festival details.
The Tasting Pass is sold in two tiers: Pass 4 and Pass 10+. Each pass includes a tasting glass and a holder, which you use at the pavilions. The pass essentially acts as your ticket to the wine tastings, and you can purchase it online in advance or on-site during the event.
Pass 10+ vs. Pass 4: which tasting pass is right for you?
The Pass 4 is designed for visitors short on time. It includes one tasting glass and holder, plus four tastings at four different appellation pavilions. This is ideal for a quick afterwork visit or a lunch break with colleagues, letting you sample a few representative wines without committing a full day.
The Pass 10+ is the fuller experience. It also includes a tasting glass and holder, but grants 10 tastings that you can spread across one day or the entire festival. Along with the tastings, it adds a 30-minute tasting workshop at the Bordeaux Wine School Pavilion and a wine-tasting tour of the Graves and Sauternes wine routes, which runs from mid-June to the end of August during the festival year.
If you plan to spend a full day exploring the quays and want to dive deeper into Bordeaux's wine culture, the Pass 10+ offers better value per tasting and the added educational components. For a casual visit or a shorter stay, the Pass 4 provides a lighter introduction. Compare the two on the official ticketing page to see which matches your schedule.
What's included with each pass: tastings, glass, holder, and extras
Both passes include a branded tasting glass and a holder—a practical strap that keeps your hands free as you move from pavilion to pavilion. The glass is yours to keep as a souvenir, and the holder prevents spills and breakage in the crowd. At each tasting, you present your glass, and the server pours a sample from the appellation's selection.
The Pass 4 strictly covers four tastings, each at a different pavilion, so you can explore up to four appellations. The Pass 10+ goes further: besides the 10 tastings (described as 9 + 1 favourite), you get access to a workshop at the Bordeaux Wine School Pavilion and a guided tour along the Graves and Sauternes wine route. The tour is a separate experience that must be booked, so check the conditions when you purchase.
For a detailed breakdown of what each pass includes, see the Living the festival page on the official site. It lists the components and any booking conditions, which helps you plan whether the extras are worth the upgrade.
How to buy your tasting pass: online in advance vs. on-site
The official organizer advises buying your Tasting Pass online in advance. This not only may give you access to preferential rates but also helps you avoid long lines at the festival's ticket booths. The festival's ticketing page has stated that tickets will go on sale soon for the upcoming edition and recommends signing up for the newsletter to be notified of the release and special rates.
During the event, you can also purchase a pass using your smartphone from the festival website, which is convenient if you decide to join on a whim. Whether you buy in advance or on-site, you'll need to show your pass at the pavilions, where staff will scan or stamp it to count your tastings.
If you're planning ahead, keep an eye on the official Bordeaux Fête le Vin website and newsletter for announcements about ticket sales. Since the festival is biennial, passes for the next edition typically go on sale several months prior. For a broader look at wine events in the region, you can also consult our festivals in France guide.
Tips for making the most of your tasting pass
Arrive early in the morning, especially on weekends, to beat the crowds and have more relaxed conversations with winemakers. The quays open in the late morning, and the first hours are often quieter, letting you enjoy the pavilions without jostling. Stroll the route from one end to the other, and note that some pavilions are more popular than others.
Plan your tasting itinerary with the official program and pavilion map, which are published before the festival. Target a few appellations you're curious about, but leave room for spontaneity—discovering a new favorite is part of the fun. Also, remember to hydrate between tastings: water fountains are available free of charge on the quays.
Use public transportation to reach the event, as traffic and parking near the quays can be difficult. Bordeaux's tram and bus networks stop close to the festival site, and cycling is another easy option. For more ideas on what to do around the city during your visit, browse our Bordeaux summer music and cultural festivals guide.
Beyond the tastings: pavilions, food, and drone show
The festival is not just about wine. Quayside activities include a Bordeaux Wine School Pavilion where you can join educational workshops, food vendors serving local specialties like oysters from the Arcachon Basin and regional cheeses, and live music stages with DJ sets in the evenings. There are also exhibitions centered on wine culture that are open to all visitors.
A signature highlight is the drone show, which takes place on two consecutive nights after dark. Hundreds of illuminated drones form wine-related shapes—glasses, bottles, grape bunches—above the Garonne, creating a modern spectacle that has replaced traditional fireworks. This show is free to watch from the quays, so it's a perfect way to end a day of tasting.
The festival also welcomes tall ships, which dock along the river and are open for visitors to explore. Walking the decks offers a maritime history lesson and a unique backdrop for photos. For a schedule of activities and entertainment, the official site publishes a full program closer to the dates.
Planning your trip: when to go and where to stay
The festival is held every two years in June, typically for four days from Thursday to Sunday. Past editions, such as the one in 2025, ran from June 19 to 22. Because Bordeaux is a popular destination, accommodation fills quickly, so book your hotel or apartment well in advance once dates are confirmed.
Staying in the city center puts you within walking distance of the quays. Neighborhoods like the historic center or near the Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum offer easy access. If you prefer a hotel with personality, options like Mama Shelter and InterContinental Bordeaux are close by, but any lodging within a short tram ride works.
If your visit aligns with the festival, you might also catch the Bordeaux vendanges harvest weekend events later in the year, which celebrate the grape harvest with wine tastings and local food. For a different winter experience, the Fête de la Fleur in Bordeaux offers another glimpse into the region's wine culture.
Plan Your Visit
Bordeaux Fête le Vin offers a unique chance to sample the wines of Bordeaux and Nouvelle-Aquitaine along the picturesque Garonne quays. With free admission and a choice between the Pass 4 and Pass 10+, you can tailor your experience to your schedule and budget. Buying your pass online in advance is the smartest move—it may save you money and time.
Remember to drink responsibly, hydrate between tastings, and use public transport to get around. For the latest updates on dates, ticket sales, and the program, check the official Bordeaux Fête le Vin website and sign up for their newsletter. Your next toast awaits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Pass 4 and Pass 10+?
Pass 4 includes four tastings at four different appellation pavilions, plus a tasting glass and holder. Pass 10+ includes 10 tastings (usable over one or multiple days), a tasting glass and holder, plus a 30-minute workshop at the Bordeaux Wine School Pavilion and a wine-tasting tour of the Graves and Sauternes wine routes.
Is admission to Bordeaux Fête le Vin free?
Yes, admission to the festival is free and open to all. However, a Tasting Pass is required to taste wines at the appellation pavilions. You can purchase a pass online in advance or during the event via smartphone.
How much does a tasting pass cost?
Prices for tasting passes are not published in our sources. The official website indicates that tickets go on sale later and recommends signing up for their newsletter to be notified of special rates. Check the official Bordeaux Fête le Vin ticketing page for current prices.
What is included with the Pass 10+?
Pass 10+ includes 10 tastings at appellation pavilions, a tasting glass and holder, a 30-minute workshop at the Bordeaux Wine School Pavilion, and a wine-tasting tour of the Graves and Sauternes wine routes. The tour has booking conditions, so refer to the official site.
Can I buy a tasting pass at the festival?
Yes, you can buy tasting passes on-site during the event. However, the organizer recommends purchasing online in advance to benefit from preferential rates and avoid lines. You can also buy passes via smartphone during the festival through the official website.
When do tickets go on sale for Bordeaux Fête le Vin?
The exact date is announced by the organizer. The official ticketing page has stated that tickets will go on sale soon and advises signing up for the newsletter to catch the release and special rates. Watch the official site for announcements.
