Before Bordeaux wine went global, it passed through the hands of the négociants, the merchants of the Chartrons quarter who bought, blended, aged and shipped it from the quays. The Musée du Vin et du Négoce tells their story in exactly the right setting: the vaulted cellars of a merchant house built in 1720, a few streets back from the river at 41 Rue Borie. It is intimate where La Cité du Vin is grand, and focused firmly on Bordeaux. The visit begins with a presentation of the region’s vineyards, then follows three centuries of winemaking and trade, from how wine was kept and moved in barrels to the craft of the coopers who made them. It ends at the tasting bar, where you try two or three wines chosen by the museum, with commentary in French and English, alongside a canelé, the little caramelised cake of Bordeaux. This page links to the Tiqets entry ticket, which includes the tasting.
How to visit: the museum is at 41 Rue Borie in the Chartrons, a short walk from the riverside quays and the Chartrons tram stops, and it is listed as open every day from 10:00 to 18:00. The Tiqets ticket includes entry and the tasting, with an option for three wines at checkout. Note that this ticket cannot be cancelled or rescheduled, so book once your plans are firm. Entry is also part of the Bordeaux CityPass.
What to expect: this is a compact museum, so allow about an hour including the tasting. The displays are straightforward rather than high-tech, but the cellars themselves are atmospheric, and the staff are happy to talk about the wines and the appellations. It is a good primer before a vineyard tour.
Making the most of it: combine the museum with a wander through the Chartrons, with its antique shops, cafés and the Sunday morning market on the quays. La Cité du Vin is a short tram ride north, and Tiqets sells the two together as a combination ticket.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit through historic vaulted cellars, followed by a commented tasting of two or three Bordeaux wines.
Best time
Late morning on a weekday, then lunch in the Chartrons; on Sundays combine it with the quayside market.
How long
About an hour, including the tasting.
Tips
The ticket is non-refundable, so book once your dates are fixed, and visit before a vineyard tour to get your bearings.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Wine lovers who want a focused, intimate introduction to the Bordeaux wine trade.
- Families
- Older children may enjoy the barrels and the cellars, but the tasting is for adults.
- Couples
- A relaxed hour underground with a glass in hand, then a stroll through the Chartrons.
- Pair with
- La Cité du Vin, a short tram ride north, or the Médoc wine tour.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
What is included in the Musée du Vin et du Négoce ticket?+
The ticket includes entry and a tasting of two or three wines with commentary in French and English. A canelé is served with the tasting.
Where is the Musée du Vin et du Négoce?+
It is at 41 Rue Borie in the Chartrons, the old wine merchants’ quarter. The riverside quays and tram stops are a short walk away.
How old are the cellars?+
The vaulted cellars date from 1720. They belonged to a merchant house in the heart of the wine trade.
Can I cancel my ticket?+
No, the Tiqets ticket is non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled. Book once your plans are firm.
Is it worth visiting if I also go to La Cité du Vin?+
Yes, the two are quite different: La Cité du Vin covers wine around the world, while this museum focuses on the Bordeaux trade. Tiqets sells them together as a combination.
