Marathon du Medoc ★ 4.7
The world's most celebrated wine-marathon, 42.2km through the Pauillac and Saint-Julien vineyards with 23 chateau wine stops en route. Costumed participants; oysters and Medoc wines at each station.
The annual en-primeur tasting week when the world's trade and press taste barrel samples of the new vintage at the chateaux before release. Prices set and allocations agreed; the financial heartbeat of Bordeaux.
Address: Chateaux across the Medoc, Pessac-Leognan, Saint-Emilion and Pomerol, Bordeaux region, France
The world's most celebrated wine-marathon, 42.2km through the Pauillac and Saint-Julien vineyards with 23 chateau wine stops en route. Costumed participants; oysters and Medoc wines at each station.
The ancient Jurade brotherhood's medieval ceremonies held twice yearly in Saint-Emilion village: the June ban on harvesting and the September proclamation of the vintage from atop the Tour du Roi. Street processions and open tastings.
Europe's largest wine festival, held biennially on the Bordeaux quays. 70+ wine pavilions, 35,000 tasting tokens sold, world-class chateaux pouring current releases and select back vintages.
Annual consumer and trade grand tasting organised by the Bettane et Desseauve wine guide, held in Hangar 14 on the Chartrons quay. 250+ Bordeaux producers presenting current releases and en-primeur samples.
The world's leading international wine and spirits trade fair, held biennially at the Bordeaux exhibition centre. 2,400+ exhibitors from 40+ countries; Bordeaux first growths always prominently represented.