A mysterious hallway that opens up into an immense modern art deco room, strange machines made of stainless steel, a tall ceiling where, hung by their feet, hundreds of wine glasses seemingly float, suspended in mid-air… Welcome to Max Bordeaux and its magical concept that opens wines such as Latour, Margaux, Haut-Brion, Cheval Blanc, Mouton Rothschild and Yquem to everyone! The establishment, created by Henning Thoresen, a Norwegian wine merchant from Oslo who had always wanted to make the Grand Cru Classé wines accessible “by the glass,” opened its doors to the public in October 2009. “You wouldn’t buy a car before test driving it, justifies manager Laetitia Jimenez, so before buying a Grand Cru, you will want to have tasted it first.” An innovative concept paired alongside an educational approach: each wine is presented with the history of the chateau, the winemaking techniques and the tasting notes. Private Wine tasting workshops can be held with a sommelier who explains the history of the Grand Cru Classé wines with a comparative tasting between differing appellations. “And once a month, we organize soirée château where a winery proprietor comes to give a presentation and tasting of his wines.” The “fun” option on the menu, as it were, is equally seductive: you credit a tasting card* that is given to you upon arrival to the gallery with your desired amount. Each time you taste a new wine the corresponding amount is debited based on the size of tasting you choose (25, 50, or 75 mL).