A wine fan in Bordeaux (city)

In September 2022, I moved all my belongings to Bordeaux, the wine capital of France. No better city to visit for a wine lover, you might say. Over the past few months, I've taken on the daunting task of finding the best places for drinks and food for you.

It turned out to be not as easy as expected. Perhaps it was an illusion to think that this city would offer enormous and well-priced wine lists everywhere. As it turns out, the Bordeaux region is even more introspective than the average Frenchman. Wine regions other than Bordeaux are scarce, and wines outside of Europe are rare. Moreover, many charming wine bars only offer "snacks," while the charming restaurants have less interesting wine lists. Quite a hassle. But we managed!

Here are my ten favorites in no particular order—they won't disappoint. Enjoy!

Wine bar with snacks

AUX QUATRE COINS DU WIN – 8 Rue de la Devise

I think it has one of the best wine lists in the city. Upon entering, the tap systems are immediately noticeable. You buy a card and with that, you can help yourself to wine all evening. There are at least 30 wines to try by the glass. Looking for a signature wine to show off? Then ask for the extensive wine list. My eye immediately fell on a bottle of Roagna from Piedmont, Italy. A great place if you're looking for something different than Bordeaux. There's no shortage of fancy Burgundies either, by the way. Something for everyone.

THE WINE BAR – 3 Cr du 30 Juillet

This is THE bar to go to if you want a good introduction to Bordeaux wines. It's the bar of the regional CIVB (Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux) organization, which represents Bordeaux. And they do it with gusto. The setting feels a bit like a chic hotel bar, with a high ceiling and impressive chandeliers. You can try all sorts of Bordeaux wines by the glass for a reasonable price, starting at €3 for entry-level BDX wines and going all the way to the big names. Be sure to arrive early, though, as it's always busy.

COMPLANTERRA – 42 Rue Sainte-Colombe

At first glance, it looks more like a wine shop than a wine bar when you peek inside. It's a bright, clean, and pleasant place that gives me a spring-like feeling. Sascha and Roman have carefully selected the best organic and biodynamic wines for you. There's so much new to discover. Sascha and Roman really make you feel warm and welcome, and with their extensive knowledge, they'll help you choose the best wine for the evening. Keep their Instagram Keep an eye on the tasting calendar they host in their beautiful cellar. They recently organized one featuring Marcel Deiss wines. Highly recommended!

URBAN VINS – 27 Rue des Bahutiers

A perfect spot in the center of Bordeaux. They have a surprisingly extensive menu featuring a wealth of both familiar and lesser-known gems. I had an old vintage of Rostaing, which apparently also makes wines in the south of France—brilliant! It's a small place with a long bar that's often packed with locals. The team takes meticulous care of the wine while you enjoy some sushi or charcuterie. A top-notch spot.

THE 3 PINARDIERS – 2 Rue Georges Bonnac

It's always buzzing here. Just off Place de Gambetta, you'll find Les Trois Pinardiers. Every time I go, it's packed, and you see nothing but smiling people around you. Take a seat at the bar or a low table in the back. All wines are served by the glass from a Coravin, so there's plenty of choice. If you've had enough of the endless charcuterie (is that even possible?), try their homemade hummus or a Mont d'Or cheese fondue. I had Chateau d'Angludet From Margaux, which was on the menu for a reasonable price. Highly recommended!

Wine bar with dinner

YARRA WINE BAR – 18 Rue Notre Dame

One of my most recent discoveries, what a wonderful place! Tucked away just outside the city center, you'll find Chartron YARRA. YARRA is run by a young couple who met in Australia. He cooks fantastic street food-style food, and she helps you find the perfect wine. Both are winemakers who have made wine in various renowned wine regions. The advantage is that you can find top wines like Kumeu River (Australia) or Sadie Family Wines (South Africa) here. This time we went for a Coteaux Champenoise—delicious! There's always a lovely, warm atmosphere here.

THE RED POINT – 1 Quai de Paludate

Hands down, the best wine list in Bordeaux. Surprisingly, they portray themselves on their website primarily as a trendy, high-end cocktail bar, but in my opinion, their wine cellar is much more interesting. There's something for every budget, but while you're here, make sure you choose that one bucket-list wine.

That's how I tasted Clos des Lambrays from Burgundy and Le Greal from Sorrel for the first time here. I was overjoyed. Mind you, the food is fine but not amazing, and be prepared for poor service. Fortunately, the wine makes up for everything.

CONSONANCE – 19 Rue de la Devise

This is fantastic! I found this place through word of mouth. The owner is a young guy who worked for years in London's top restaurants. He's opened a small restaurant here in Bordeaux. It's modern, hip but not too hip, trendy, and has a warm atmosphere. The bar is a real eye-catcher, and the team will happily pour you a nice bottle of wine.

Get some advice, because there are plenty of hidden gems to be found here. I went for my guilty pleasure to finish off dinner: Sauternes. My best dining experience in Bordeaux so far!

Where to stay in Bordeaux

• Hotel La Zoologie & Spa Bordeaux – located on the edge of the city center, but within walking distance of Gare Bordeaux. Wonderfully quiet with a charming garden dotted with palm trees. Breakfast is fine, not exceptional, but the lunch and dinner menus are pleasant and surprising. The spa includes a hot tub, sauna, and steam room.
• Hotel Konti – centrally located and affordable by Bordeaux standards, not fancy but fully equipped
• IKO Apartments – apartment just outside the center, ideal in nice weather, because of the balcony!
• Maison Fredon – in the heart of Bordeaux and super chic rooms, opposite the restaurant La Tupina
• Les Sources de Caudalie – a little south of Bordeaux city for pure relaxation and bathing in grapes
• Chateau Carbonneau – sleep in a fairytale castle on the right bank.

Save the planet and book a train ticket to Bordeaux. The Eurostar is flying off the shelves.

Which wineries to visit in Bordeaux?

Get out of the city and visit one of the region's many wineries. Bordeaux has a seriously busy morning rush hour, so if you have an early appointment, leave early.

• Chateau d'Angludet in Margaux – beautiful winery, biodynamic, somewhat affordable and owned by the same owners as Chateau Palmer
• Chateau Chasse-Spleen in Moulis
• Chateau de Bel in Arveyres on the banks of the Dordogne – also biodynamic and makes wine in Saint-Emilion and Pomerol and under AOC Bordeaux.
• Even more tips in Bordeaux, check Bordeaux to love

More of a wine fan in…?

• A wine lover in Rhone & Languedoc
• A wine fan in Bilbao & San Sebastian (San Sebastian is a 2.5 hour drive from Bordeaux)
• All travel tips