France: First vines planted at Bordeaux's Cite des Civilisations du Vin

(Decanter) - Bordeaux's new multi-million pound Cité des Civilisations du Vin made its debut this morning, as the first stone and set of vines were unveiled during a special preview ceremony.

Each of the project's major stakeholders, including institutional representatives, sponsors, partners, architects, and builders, were present at the Les Forges site to officially launch the building of the centre.

Bordeaux Mayor Alain Juppe began the presentation ceremony with a speech thanking those involved 'for making the project a reality' and to 'celebrate such a unique occasion'.

Juppe especially praised the 'renown that will come with the centre', increasing the 'international reputation of Bordeaux, the Gironde and Aquitaine'.

The ceremony was held as part of this year’s Vinexpo in Bordeaux, and marked two years since the project was first unveiled at the fair in 2011.

The new centre, set on the banks of the River Garonne, will house a permanent circuit of wine themes including models of different terroirs and vineyards from around the world.

In addition, a programme of flavour workshops, interactive sensory stations, annual exhibitions and artistic performances are planned for the new centre.

Speaking to Decanter.com at the launch, Sylvie Cazes - president of the Cité des Civilisations du Vin association - said, 'It's a historic day because for the first time there’s going to be a place where we can have all the wines in the world gathered.'