Our first evening in Bordeaux was hot, and we'd travelled all day so were gasping for something cool to drink. And in Bordeaux, that means Bordeaux!
We'd read about a wine tasting school that also had a small cafe for wine tasting in the basement. We found the tourist office closed but when we turned around there it was, a large building with "Bar du Vin", and doors wide open. Upon entering, we went past a school-like reception desk into a small space with a few chairs and tables and a large bar, full of people. But basement cafe it was not.
Beautiful stained glass windows were broken up by tall walles of bottles, tables and chairs modern and casual. Wines were listed very specifically; red, white and sauterne (made in the southern part of the Bordeaux region) and sold by the glass for 2 euros each (that's about $2.25!) Staff are wine experts and advised us on what would be a good selection of regional varieties, and telling us exactly why (this grape is grown on this side, that grape is an uncommon addition in the region, that one has more cab. sauvignon than merlot, etc.)
We also ordered a bit of food: selections of charcuterie, hard cheeses, blue cheeses, and chocolate to go with our glass of sauterne.
We collected little brochures on the wines we liked best, found their origins in the big regional map on the wall, and floated home after an incredibly satisfying first evening!
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