Our Mission
American Friends of Cité du Vin is a 501(c)(3) organization that raises public awareness of and support for La Cité du Vin, a cultural center in Bordeaux, France, dedicated to the history and heritage of wine.
Together, our members play a vital role by supporting educational exhibits and programs dedicated to wine culture, history, environment, and the stories of the extraordinary people behind the wines enjoyed around the world.
The Cité du Vin is the embodiment of wine in its fullest sense, a home for the role wine plays in the life of society since earliest history. Its focus on wine’s impact on the arts, music, ecology, and of course the everyday enjoyment of life is at the core of the Cité.
We, the American Friends, are there to support its mission. George Sape, President
About La Cité du Vin
La Cité showcases vineyards from around the world through both permanent and temporary multi-media, multi-sensory and interactive exhibits, wine culture workshops, and special events. Since 2016, over 3.5 million visitors from 178 countries have explored the world of wine situated in the heart of Bordeaux!
Our Leadership
2025-2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
George Sape – President of the Board – AFCDV; Managing Partner Emeritus, Epstein Becker & Green
Denise Adams – Proprietor, ADAMVS (Napa) and Château Fonplégade (Bordeaux)
Sanjiv Das – President, Pagaya
James Finkel – Senior Advisor, Kroll LLC
Michael Katz – Founder & CEO, Oxworth Capital
Albert H. Nahmad – Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Watsco, Inc.
Philippe Newlin – Chief Wine Educator, City Winery
Daniel Pacthod – Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company
Glen A. Rae – Deputy General Counsel for Global Markets & International, Bank of America
Jamie Ritchie – Managing Director, International & Auctions, Berry Bros & Rudd
David Sadroff – Philanthropist
Robert F. Smith – Founder, Chairman, & CEO of Vista Equity Partners
Craig Stapleton – Former Ambassador to France (2005-2009)
David Wolf – Managing Director U.S., Petrus, & Managing Director, C.A. Holdings