Festival weekend planner
Bordeaux Fête le Vin — a 3-day weekend in Bordeaux
18–21 June 2026. Bordeaux, France. 25 min from the airport.
The weekend, day by day
- Day 1
Arrive in Bordeaux
Land at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD), settle in and walk the old town in the afternoon. Light dinner near your accommodation — save your appetite for the festival day.
- Day 2
Bordeaux Fête le Vin
Festival day — arrive early to avoid the lunchtime crowd. Insider tip: Attend on a weekday to access smaller Right Bank châteaux pavilions that run out by weekend; book a masterclass with a sommelier from Maison du Vin beforehand to learn which petit châteaux offer the best value before the event. The riverfront setting is stunning, but the real tastings happen in the smaller, less-trafficked pavilions away from the main promenade.
- Day 3
Wine country day in Bordeaux
Use the third day for a single winery visit (booked ahead) and a long lunch at one of the regional addresses below before heading home.
Where to stay
Three angles for the festival window. Festival hotels book out 6+ months in advance — apartments are the contingency when the main shortlist is sold out.
- Hotels in Bordeaux
Live inventory around the festival window — 2 adults, all star ratings.
- 4–5 star options near Bordeaux
Higher-end shortlist when you want the milestone weekend treatment.
- Apartments in Bordeaux
Self-catering option — useful when festival hotels sell out 6+ months ahead.
Booking.com links — we may earn a commission. We never recommend hotels we wouldn't use ourselves.
One winery worth a detour
Chateau Pontet-Canet
WTG pickA biodynamic Fifth Growth producing wines at Super-Second quality — horses still plough the vineyards, making it one of Bordeaux's most compelling estate visits.
- Address
- 33250 Pauillac, France
- Appointment
- required
- Tasting price
- EUR 50 · Guided tour and 3-wine tasting
- Website
- Visit
Where to eat
Le Petit Commerce
€€Beloved local seafood bistro near Place du Parlement, always bustling
Must try: Entrecôte bordelaise
More dining picks in Bordeaux →Practical
- Nearest airport
- Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD)
- Mid-range daily budget
- ~€220/day for two
- Festival site
- Visit official site
Insider tip
Attend on a weekday to access smaller Right Bank châteaux pavilions that run out by weekend; book a masterclass with a sommelier from Maison du Vin beforehand to learn which petit châteaux offer the best value before the event. The riverfront setting is stunning, but the real tastings happen in the smaller, less-trafficked pavilions away from the main promenade.
Want a longer trip than the festival weekend?
The milestone-trip planner builds a 3–10 day Bordeaux itinerary with accommodation, tours, and pacing options.
Plan a Bordeaux trip →