For lovers of good food and fine wine, the city of Bordeaux and its surrounding region is a must-visit and there’s no better time to indulge in its many assets than during the autumn wine harvest, when the searing heat of the summer has abated. The months of September and October bring perfect temperatures for strolling through the elegant streets between Bordeaux’s Unesco-listed architecture, with its pale limestone mansions, pausing for a while in pavement cafes or for a glass in the welcoming wine bars. Beyond the city limits, there are enchanting wineries to discover and all are within easy reach by bike, or a short drive from the city by car, tram or bus.
Any stay in Bordeaux would not be complete without visiting La Cité du Vin. This extraordinary visitor centre is set in an architecturally striking structure that resembles the swirl of wine in a glass and its exhibits tell myriad stories related to wine, from its creation to its history, its myths and romance. Its current tasting experience, titled Via Sensoria, runs until 2 November and takes visitors on a journey through its artistic installations that play to all the senses. The immersive journey takes you through four pavilions, each representing a different season and the experience is punctuated by the tasting of four wines (or non-alcoholic drinks) from different regions of the world, such as a red wine made from the saperavi grape from Georgia to represent autumn. Between this, and the rest of the exhibits at the Cité du Vin, it promises to be an enchanting day out.
