A host of prestigious personalities are expected on Friday, June 30th in Bordeaux for the 2006 BORDEAUX WINE FESTIVAL: the journalist Sophie Davant, the journalist and producer Mireille Dumas, the singer Liane Foly, the actrice Marie Anne Chazel, the actrice Corinne Touzet, the journalist Stéphane Bern, the NBA basketball player Boris Diaw, the singer Patrick Fiori, the world football champion Christian Karembeu, and the writer Didier Van Cauwelaert.

Invited by the Mayor of Bordeaux and M.P. Hugues Martin, they will be appointed Ambassadors of Bordeaux Wine and leave their handprints in cement during a traditional ceremony open to the public.

From June 24th to July 2nd Not to be missed! For the first time, it will be possible to discover the art of matching wine with food at the Bordeaux Wine Festival. A wide variety of dishes made by well-known chefs will be paired with different wines in a jazzy atmosphere during lunch or dinner in a cool oasis on the banks of the Garonne. This is organised in conjunction with various appellations and Bordeaux shippers.

From June 29th to July 2nd holders of a TASTING PASS will be able to take part in workshops offered by the Bordeaux Wine School (CIVB) on the Place des Quinconces.
These original 30-minute sessions will enable you to discover everything you always wanted to know about Bordeaux wine: how to recognize their aromas, taste them, serve them, and pair them with food. You can also enter a competition in which winners may attend, free of charge, one of the numerous seminars organised by the Bordeaux Wine School throughout the year.



As a holder of this Vineyard Pass, you are also entitled to a 20% reduction on any course taken in 2006 at the Bordeaux Wine School: evening courses, daytime courses, or Saturday classes that will enable you to learn more about Bordeaux wines. This discount will be deducted upon presentation of your pass.



From June 29th to July 1st, do not hesitate to visit the "Bordeaux Wine Festival" Web site and stop at the Mollat bookshop and to see which talented authors will be dedicating their books.

 





From June 29th to July 2nd
A competition organised by the Club de Lussac Saint Emilion will provide an opportunity to enjoy a sporting event and appreciate the tradition of excellence of local coopers. This will take place starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday July 1st and Sunday, July 2nd (lasts about two hours).




From June 29th to July 2nd
The National Customs Museum will be open free of charge to the public. Furthermore, a free tour on the theme of "Customs and Wine" will be offered at 3, 4, and 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 2nd to holders of a Tasting Pass, as well as a free booklet entitled "les Mots de la Douane et du Vin".




Thanks to the initiative of the Grand Conseil du Vin de Bordeaux, members of the Commanderies de Bordeaux from around the world have been invited to parade in their robes accompanied by vinous brotherhoods from throughout the Aquitaine region in a warm, musical atmosphere. This exceptional ceremony will end at 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 29th with an homage to the Mayor of FUKUOKA by the Grand Maître.




The festival highlights wines from throughout Aquitaine, and visitors will be able to appreciate the region's legendary conviviality in a warm atmosphere enhanced by fast and furious music provided by local bandas. A gigantic table will be set up on the banks of the Garonne on which festival-goers are invited to bring fixings for a picnic meal or enjoy food on sale at the Etals des Terroirs (food from Aquitaine producers) starting at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 1st.