Unsurprisingly, Bordeaux is a great place to drink Bordeaux wines, but until recently finding somewhere to serve a selection by the glass, let alone wines from other regions, was tricky. No longer.
In the last ten years a young generation of wine loving Bordelais have opened wine bars and relaxed restaurants across the regional capital, serving an eclectic selection of wines in relaxed and often eccentric spaces. Here are some of our favourites.
Le Bar à Vin
- 3 Cours du 30 Juillet
- Monday to Saturday 11:00 – 22:00
What we like about it Le Bar à Vin is a Bordeaux institution, run by the CIVB, the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux, which represents all the appellations of Bordeaux. Located on the ground floor of the triangular 18th century Maison Gobineau, steps away from the Grand Théâtre, it’s one of the largest wine bars in Bordeaux.
Wine list Offered by the glass, the list changes frequently, with a selection across all the Bordeaux appellations. You’ll find Crémant de Bordeaux, Sauternes, 1855 classed growths and wines from both the Right and Left Banks.
What to order A great place to start a Bordeaux discovery, with some of the best by-the-glass prices and flights in the city. Try the knowledgeable staff recommendations for best wines of the moment.
Enjoy all styles of Bordeaux’s wines at Le Bar à Vin. Credit: Le Bar à Vin
Le Métropolitain
- 49 Cours d’Alsace-et-Lorraine
- Wednesday to Saturday 18:00 – 0:00
- Sunday 18:00 – 23:00
What we like about it A chic family-owned-and-run wine bar in the heart of old Bordeaux. Popular with locals, this is a fun spot where the menu comes clipped to old vinyl records. It can be tough to get a table here without a reservation, so do book ahead.
Wine list The focus is on finding fine wines from all over France and beyond, and the 150 references include New World wines from as far afield as South Africa and Chile.
What to order The red or white blind tasting served in black glasses or sign up for one of their 90 minutes tutored tastings. Try the cheese and charcuterie board, which is served with the family’s delicious homemade marmalade.
Credit: Le Métropolitain
Chez Le Pépère
- 19 rue Georges Bonnac
- Cave: Thursday to Saturday 11:00 – 22:00
- Wine bar : Tuesday to Friday 17:00 – 01:45
What we like about it At Chez Pépère, the owners and patrons are as passionate about rugby as they are about wine. The wine and tapas bar is open from Tuesday to Friday and the jazz cave for live music Thursday through Saturday.
Wine list The list offers a selection of over 200 wines (and over 30 beers) from around France at great prices, thanks to the owner purchasing direct from winemakers. Chez Le Pépère is also an absinthe bar.
What to order Sample their very own L’Absinthe Nitouche, which is distilled locally.
Try Chez Le Pépère’s own absinthe. Credit: Bordeaux Tourism
Vins Urbains
- 27 rue des Bahutiers
- Tuesday to Saturday 18:00 – 23:00
What we like about it On a winding street in the St-Pierre district, Vins Urbains is the creation of sommelier-turned-wine-bar-owner Jan Bussière. This long bar has a grate in the floor, giving its customers a glimpse into the well-stocked vaulted cellar below that is available for private parties.
Wine list The impressive list of 500 bins offers wines from around the world both by the glass and the bottle, along with a selection of magnums.
What to order Step outside of Bordeaux and try wines such as a Cahors Malbec by the glass. Indulge in the white truffle croque-monsieur, which is served sliced into bite-sized sandwiches.
Find Vins Urbains in the St-Pierre district. Credit: Vins Urbains
Max Bordeaux Wine Gallery
- 14 Cours de l’Intendance
- Monday to Saturday 11:00 – 20:00
What we like about it Max Bordeaux, open for over a decade, is another Bordeaux institution. This bar and shop was the first to offer premier grand cru classé wines by the glass. It also offers private workshops, plus events such as wine and jazz evenings, and vertical tastings with château owners.
Wine list There are over 60 wines offered via the Enomatic machines, ranging from €3 to over €100 per glass. Flights of three 2.5cl glasses start at €20 up to €120. They also offer blind and themed tutored tastings.
What to order The selection of top crus classés changes but there’s always a top Bordeaux name to try by the glass. Cheese boards and charcuterie plates are also available.
Bordeaux icon, Max Bordeaux Wine Gallery and Cellar. Credit: Max Bordeaux Wine Gallery and Cellar
Les Trois Pinardiers
- 2 rue Georges Bonnac
- Wednesday to Sunday 17.00 – 00.00
- Saturday 17:00 – 01:00
What we like about it Les Trois Pinardiers was opened by three friends who share a passion for wine. This bar and shop has 100 wines – each available by the glass.
Wine list Just 30 of the wines here are from Bordeaux; most of the rest come from around France, but there’s also a unique range of bottles that you won’t encounter in many other wine bars, from countries including Bulgaria and Israel. All wines are available by the glass, thanks to Coravin.
What to order The wine list changes monthly. This is the place to try interesting wines – from all over the world – that are difficult to find elsewhere in Bordeaux.
Credit: Les Trois Pinardiers
Les Doux Secrets d’Hélène
- 41 rue Neuve
- Seven days a week 18:00 – 02:30
- Lunch Saturday and Sunday
What we like about it Hidden away just steps from Bordeaux’s Grosse Cloche, Les Doux Secrets d’Hélène is practically a secret itself; it’s not a wine bar you’ll just stumble upon. With the cosy couches, antique sewing machines repurposed as tables, and a massive fireplace, it’s the kind of place you visit for a romantic evening out or for a quiet conversation with friends over wine and gourmet bites.
Wine list Former sommelier Hélène Orhon has curated a list with 300 references mostly from around France, but wines from Croatia, Italy, Chile and South Africa feature too.
What to order Orhon is incredibly knowledgeable and it’s easy to discover lesser-known wines here, with a good selection by the glass and bottle. If it’s early in the week, she’ll be happy to open most bottles to sample by the glass. Try the gourmand pairing for €15, which comes with five different decadent bites crafted with local and seasonal products. The menu changes weekly, and you’ll also find monthly food and wine matching dinners.
Credit: Les Doux Secrets d’Hélène
Le Sobre
- 24 Quai des Chartons
- Monday 10:00 – 17:00; Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 – 00:00
What we like about it Wine and dine inside and out at this new, trendy wine bar in the heart of the Chartrons – the old négociant centre of Bordeaux. They have an extensive selection of French and international wines to drink in or take away and often showcase visiting winemakers.
Wine list An ever changing selection of 20 wines by the glass thanks to self-service Enomatic machines.
What to order Delicious small plates including Truffle Toasties with a glass of Pomerol.
Credit: Le Sobre
Point Rouge
- 1 Quai de Paludate
- Monday to Saturday 18:00 – 02:00
What we like about it Huge, 500m2 wine bar in the 18th century Chais Decas, underground cellars on the quays, near Pont Saint Jean.
Wine list As well as a wine list of over 1,000 wines, they serve over 200 creative cocktails and mocktails.
What to order Keep it local with a Bordeluche, a red Bordeaux-based cocktail with rum and the local Marie Brizard anisette, or an upmarket Sauternes Spritz with Gentiane Suze, a drop of honey, Champagne and pure gold flakes.
Credit: Point Rouge
CURRENTLY CLOSED: Tchin Tchin
Tchin Tchin is closed temporarily following a suspected food poisoning outbreak from 4th – 10th September 2023. This listing will be updated when new information is available.
- 3 rue Emile Duployé
Monday 15:00 – 22:30; Tuesday to Thursday: 16:00 – 22:30; Friday to Sunday: 15:00 – 22:30
What we like about it French for cheers, Tchin Tchin is a natural wine bar and organic, locavore restaurant near the Place de la Bourse in central Bordeaux. It is the perfect spot for organic, biodynamic and natural wine lovers. Great for plant-based foodies too. Non-veggie options available.
Wine list An eclectic list from Bordeaux (yes there are natural wines in Bordeaux) and further afield with great locavore food and wine pairings, and wine classes.
What to order Try a wine from the Nobody’s Perfect range of organic, single-varietal whites made by Brit, Dawn Jones Cooper in Entre-deux-Mers, all available by the glass.
Credit: Tchin Tchin
Wine More Time
- 8 rue Saint James
- Monday to Thursday 16:00 – 23:00; Friday 15:00 – 23:30; Saturday 11:00 – 23:30; Sunday 16:00 – 21:30
What we like about it This cosy wine bar on busy rue St-James offers wines from small, independent mainly organic and biodynamic producers, including older vintages.
Wine list Over 450 wines to take away or taste on site. Bordeaux, Sud-Ouest, Bourgogne, Loire, Rhône, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence, Corse, Alsace, Jura, Savoie and international wines are all available, and a selection of fine foods, to either take away or make up a platter to eat in.
What to order A weekly rotation of 20 bottles available by the glass. Follow the advice of in-house somms whether you are looking for a new discovery, a regional classic or something original.
Credit: Wine More Time
Yarra
- 18 rue Notre Dame
- Wednesday to Friday 16:00 – 22:00
- Saturday 11:00 – 22:00
What we like about it A dynamic Franco-Australian wine bar in trendy rue Notre-Dame with a creative food menu and great selection of international wines, plus outdoor terrace and friendly service.
Wine list There’s no official wine list, let Albane guide you through the 200 wines on offer from Bordeaux, Australia, South Africa and more.
What to order Try their own brand of white, red and rosé with Aaron’s seasonal sharing plates, including mini, pulled pork burgers.
Credit: Yarra
Aux Quatre Coins du Vin
- 8 Rue de la Devise
- Monday to Wednesday 18:00 – 01:00; Thursday to Saturday 18:00 – 2:00
What we like about it A team of young somms help you find the perfect wine(s) for the evening. either at a table or propped up at the bar.
Wine list Over 800 wines from around the world and across France from well and lesser-known producers that they’ve been searching out over the last eight years.
What to order Choose from 40 wines served by the glass, from 3cl à 12cl, served with the local duck charcuterie.
Credit: Aux Quatre Coins du Vin
Avant Comptoir du Palais
- 2 place du Palais
- Open s days a week 12:00 – 23:00
What we like about it The 4th ‘comptoir’ from chef Yves Camedeborde and the first outside Paris. Look up to see the 60-70 tapas suggestions suspended from the ceiling.
Wine list Large fridges line the walls to keep the 1 000 wines at the perfect serving temperature.
What to order You can taste before you buy with wines start at €3.50 per glass.
Credit: Avant Comptoir du Palais
Consonance
- 19 rue de la Devise
- Wednesday to Sunday 18:00 – 01:00
What we like about it Five wine-loving friends, some in the wine business, grouped together to create a wine bar where the sommelier Hugo and chef Clara are in charge. The bar is at the very centre of the action.
Wine list 300 wines from France and elsewhere sold at retail prices, and an eclectic choice of 20 wines by the glass.
What to order. Sharing plates that you don’t have to share with a glass of Château Sigalas Rabaud, 1er cru classé of Sauternes.
Clara & Hugo at Consonance. Credit: Consonance
Oenolimit
- 2 rue des Ayres.
- Tuesday to Saturday 13:00 – 01:00
Why we like it Busy relaxed atmosphere popular with the locals.
Wine list Wines to take away or taste by the glass with cheese and platters.
What to order Chat to the friendly waitstaff to find out their current favourites.
Credit: l’oenolimit
Out of town
Wine bars are springing up across the region, what better place to taste by the glass than straight from the cellar? Even more so when there’s a great range to choose from and food to go with them.
Right Bank
Château Fleur de Lisse, Saint Emilion
- Monday to Friday 10:00 – 18:00 all year; Saturdays from March to mid-October
Owners of Château La Loubière in the Entre-deux-Mers since 1837, in 2015, the Teycheney family also invested in Saint Emilion, buying Château Fleur de Lisse and Château L’Etampe. In 2018, they added Château Fontfleurie. You can taste the full range, along with light bites at the beautifully renovated Château Fleur de Lisse inside their wine bar or on the terrace.
Château Fleur de Lisse. Credit: Vignobles Jade
Château George 7, Fronsac
1 Le Bergey, 33141 Saillans
- Open everyday, for lunch and evenings until sunset by appointment
In Fronsac, Château George 7 has the best terrace for a sunset apéro with views across the vines of the appellation. As well as owner-winemaker Sally Evans’ Fronsac red and Bordeaux white wines, Sally serves the neighbours’ rosé and Bordeaux Crémant with her homemade tasting platters. Vegetarian dishes are a specialty. Open lunchtime and evening. Booking essential.
Sunset at Château George 7. Credit: Teralon Media
La Fleur de Bouard, Lalande-de-Pomerol
- Lunchtimes Monday to Saturday. By appointment in the evening.
Les chais de la Fleur Château Fleur de Bouard opened a new wine bar and restaurant this year, serving their Lalande-de-Pomerol wines but also their 100% Syrah, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Vin du Pays de l’Atlantique wines; Château Tour du Pas Saint Georges and Bordeaux Supérieur Château du Rosaire, all served with delicious local specialties including oysters from the Arcachon Bay.
Credit: La Fleur de Bouard
Left Bank
Les Clés du Vin at Château Pape Clement
- Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 19:00; Sunday 10:00 – 18:00
On the outskirts of Bordeaux in Pessac, classified growth Château Pape Clement has always welcomed visitors. but you don’t have to participate in a tour to taste the wines from the Bernard Magrez range. The Les Clés du Vin wine bar and shop offers the full range of over 300 wines. It’s very cool décor is from a 19th century pharmacy, perfectly adapted to bottle storage.
The wine bar offers pairings of wine and tapas, all introduced and explained by a team of experts. There are flights, including the top classified growths, and themed workshops.
Cles du Vin Pape Clement. Credit: Château Pape Clement
Source de Caudalie, Martillac
- Open every day 10:00 – 22:00
Rouge is the gourmet grocery and wine shop of Les Sources de Caudalie in the vineyard of Château Smith Haut Lafitte. Open for coffee and croissants in the morning, then wine tastings at the bar or on the sunny terrace with light tapas style snacks for all day dining.
As well as the family’s wines, there’s a large selection of regional and French wines to enjoy there or take away. Flights of three wines from the family estate are served from 3pm to 6pm by the sommeliers, who are happy to share the family philosophy.
Rouge at Source de Caudalie. Credit: Château Smith Haut Lafitte
Entre-deux-Mers
18, place Robert Darniche, 33580, Monségur
- Lunch Tuesday and Friday; Evening Monday to Friday
Under the arches of the beautiful ‘bastide’ town square of Monségur, La Salle a Manger is half of the Epicierie Central grocery. Friday is market day so be sure to book. Eat inside or under the arches of the square. Choose your wine from the shelves of the shop to match their freshly prepared local food. Don’t miss the truffle pizza!
Credit: La Salle a Manger
