As founding members of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, Porto and Bordeaux have long stood side by side on the world stage, celebrated for their timeless connection to viticulture, river trade, and cultural innovation.
The historic bond between Porto and Bordeaux, sharing a long-standing tapestry of cultural and historical ties—woven by their rivers, maritime traditions, and world-renowned wines – has now a new and colorful expression on the walls of a Bordeaux port warehouse, through a striking mural by renowned Portuguese urban artist Godmess (Tiago Carvalho), a multidisciplinary artist devoted to Illustration, Graphic Design, Painting Sculpting, Urban Art, among others.
A visual toast to two Great Wine Capitals
Commissioned by the Consulate-General of Portugal in Bordeaux and curated by Porto’s Urban Art Program, this artistic collaboration brings vibrant life to Hangar 36, located in the city’s revitalized port area.
® Diogo Silva / DS Motion Frames
In this captivating artwork, Godmess weaves together symbols from both cities’ viticultural identities:
- The meandering rivers Douro and Garonne, historic lifelines of wine trade
- Grapevines and wine barrels, echoing centuries of craftsmanship
- Boats and maritime motifs, emblematic of the seafaring routes that carried Port and Bordeaux wines to the world
“It’s more than a mural—it’s a cultural bridge,” says Godmess. “It represents who we are as cities shaped by wine, the sea, and the creative spirit.”
Porto blue meets Bordeaux red
Godmess’s bold signature style takes on new meaning through a clever use of symbols and dominant hues. Flowing through the mural like a visual narrative, elements such as the river, the sea, and the emblematic wines of Porto and Bordeaux serve as powerful symbols of shared heritage. Conceptually, the piece is unified by the use of two dominant colors: Porto blue and Bordeaux red, a poetic nod to the very names of these canonical cities.
® Diogo Silva / DS Motion Frames
These chromatic choices aren’t merely aesthetic—they serve as a visual metaphor for the intertwining legacies of both cities, celebrating difference through harmony.
More than art: a statement of unity
This mural is the latest chapter in a series of cultural collaborations between Porto and Bordeaux—initiatives that celebrate not only their shared past but also a forward-looking vision for creative and sustainable wine tourism.
As founding members of the Great Wine Capitals global network, both cities continue to champion innovation, sustainability, and the arts as pillars of their tourism strategy. By showcasing urban creativity alongside wine heritage, this mural invites locals and visitors alike to see the soul of these cities beyond the cellar.
® Diogo Silva / DS Motion Frames
Experience it yourself
The mural can be visited at Hangar 36, Port Autonome de Bordeaux, near the Cité du Vin, offering the perfect pairing of urban art and wine discovery.
This completed project, now on display in this unique space, was initiated by an invitation from the Consulate-General of Portugal in Bordeaux to the Porto City Council, and was made possible with the support of the Port of Bordeaux, the association Les Vivres de l’Art, and the company Carmo Wood.
Whether you’re strolling the quays of the Douro or cycling along the Garonne, the spirit of these two Great Wine Capitals flows freely—connected by wine, water, and the power of art.
Source: Ágora – Porto
Photo Credits: Diogo Silva / DS Motion Frames