The École du Vin de Bordeaux, attached to the CIVB on the Cours du 30 Juillet, offers tasting workshops for visitors ranging from a one-hour introduction to Bordeaux wines to half-day masterclasses on appellation differences, food pairing, and the mechanics of wine tasting. The sessions are run in English and French by professionals from the trade.
This is not tourist theatre — the instruction is technically solid and the wines used are genuinely representative of the region's range. The introductory session is a sensible first stop for anyone planning to spend time in the Médoc or Saint-Émilion châteaux. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly in summer. Prices are reasonable given what is covered.