Bordeaux, the heart of one of the world’s most famous wine regions, is a dream destination for wine lovers. And let’s be honest—no trip here is complete without bringing home a bottle (or a few). Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just want a special souvenir, Bordeaux’s wine shops (or caves à vin) offer an impressive selection of local wines and expert advice. To make your wine shopping easier, here’s a guide to the best wine shops in Bordeaux’s city center—plus some handy tips for interacting with locals.
Where to buy wine in Bordeaux?
1. L’Intendant Grands Vins de Bordeaux
Located in the heart of Bordeaux, L’Intendant is more than just a wine shop—it’s a wine lover’s paradise. The shop is famous for its spiral staircase that winds through five floors, each dedicated to wines of increasing prestige. You’ll find everything from affordable bottles to rare vintages of Bordeaux’s most iconic labels.
- Address: 2 Allées de Tourny. Website: https://www.intendant.com/
- Why visit: L’Intendant is a must-see for its incredible range and unique atmosphere. It’s perfect if you’re looking for top-tier Bordeaux wines. It’s also very Instagrammable!
- Shipping: They offer international shipping.
2. Badie
Established in 1880, Badie is one of Bordeaux’s oldest wine shops. You’ll find them in the chic Tourny district, offering a stunning range of Bordeaux wines, including prestigious châteaux labels. This shop caters to both wine aficionados and casual buyers, with prices ranging from everyday bottles to high-end vintages.
- Address: 62 Allées de Tourny. Website: https://www.badie.com/une-institution-bordelaise/
- Why visit: Badie’s deep history and impressive selection make it a landmark for wine shopping in Bordeaux. If you’re after a classic Bordeaux to take home, this is the place to find it.
- Shipping: They offer international shipping, making it easy to send your purchase home.
3. La Vinothèque de Bordeaux
With over 1,000 references of wine from Bordeaux and other French regions, La Vinothèque is a go-to for variety and quality. They’re conveniently located right in the city center near the tram and bus station Quinconces and near the tourist office. The shop’s staff is known for being incredibly helpful, offering personalized recommendations based on your taste and budget. It’s a great place to discover lesser-known labels as well as the classics.
- Address: 8 Cours du 30 Juillet. Website: https://vinotheque-bordeaux.com/
- Why visit: This is a great spot for tourists looking to sample a wide range of wines. They also stock wine accessories and offer tastings to help you make your choice.
- Shipping: They provide international shipping services.
4. Max Bordeaux Wine Gallery
If you’re more interested in tasting before you buy, Max Bordeaux is an experience in itself. This wine gallery offers a unique opportunity to taste high-end Bordeaux wines by the glass, using an automated wine dispenser system. It’s a modern twist on wine tasting that allows you to sample some of Bordeaux’s finest wines without having to commit to a whole bottle. But they’re so good, you’ll likely end up buying at least a bottle to take back home as a gift or for memories!
- Address: 14 Cours de l’Intendance. Website: https://www.maxbordeaux.com/?lang=en
- Why visit: Max Bordeaux is ideal for those who want to try before they buy. It’s particularly great if you’re considering purchasing a more expensive bottle
- Shipping: They offer international shipping.
5. Maison Jude
Maison Jude is a top-tier wine merchant known for its curated selection of Bordeaux’s best wines. Whether you’re looking for a grand cru or an affordable hidden gem, the expert team here will help you find something special. They offer an exclusive experience for serious wine buyers.
- Address: 20 Rue d’Alzon
- Why visit: Ideal for those looking for a high-end selection of Bordeaux wines with expert guidance.
- Website: https://maisonjude.com/en/wine-tradind-compagny/
6. La Pied à Terre
This cozy wine shop is a gem if you’re looking to enjoy a guided tasting experience in Bordeaux. They offer a carefully selected range of wines, and their wine-tasting workshops allow you to create your own blend. It’s truly an unforgettable experience for wine lovers and makes a great gift for loved ones!
- Address: 22 rue Judaïque
- Why visit: A fantastic place for an interactive wine-tasting workshop. Great for those who want to learn more about Bordeaux wines in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Website: https://lepiedaterre-cave.com/
7. La Crypte du Vin
Nestled in the historic center of Bordeaux in a charming street filled with cute restaurants in the Chartrons neighborhood, La Crypte du Vin offers an intimate and authentic wine-shopping experience. This underground wine cellar stocks an exceptional variety of Bordeaux wines, including rare vintages and unique finds from small producers.
- Address: 6 rue Notre Dame
- Website: https://lacrypteduvin.fr/
- Why visit: A must-visit for those who love discovering hidden gems and unique vintages in an atmospheric setting.
8. Latitude20 (Cité du Vin)
Located inside the Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s famous wine museum, Latitude20 is a hybrid between a wine bar and a boutique. So that means you can taste and buy at the same time, what more could you ask for? It offers an impressive selection of wines from around the world, making it a great stop for those looking to explore beyond Bordeaux wines. Enjoy a glass at the bar or purchase a bottle to take home.
- Address: Inside the Cité du Vin wine museum
- Why visit: Perfect for wine lovers who want a global selection in a cultural setting. After visiting the wine museum, you’re sure to work up a thirst!
Tips for Wine Shopping in Bordeaux
When visiting wine shops in France, it’s important to approach the experience with courtesy. French culture places great emphasis on polite greetings and interactions.
- Greet the staff in French: When entering a wine shop, always greet the staff with a friendly Bonjour (hello). Most wine shops today will have an English-speaking employee, but this small gesture of bonjour goes a long way in creating a positive interaction.
When asking for advice, don’t hesitate to say Je cherche… (I’m looking for…) followed by the type of wine or region you’re interested in. Once you’ve made your selection, a polite Merci beaucoup (thank you very much) will end the conversation on the right note.
Most - Don’t be shy about asking for advice: The staff in Bordeaux’s wine shops are passionate and knowledgeable. They will be happy to help you discover wines that match your preferences.
- Shipping options: If you’re buying a large number of bottles or special vintages, ask the staff about international shipping. Most of the top wine shops in Bordeaux offer this service, which makes it easier to enjoy your wine back home without worrying about luggage restrictions.
- Know That Price Doesn’t Always Equal Quality – While Bordeaux is home to prestigious (and pricey) Grand Crus, there are also excellent, affordable wines from lesser-known appellations like Fronsac or Côtes de Bordeaux. Trust the experts—they often know where to find the best value.
