Private Day Trip from Bordeaux to the Cognac Region – 2 Distillery Visits & Tastings

Explore the historic town of Cognac on a private 9-hour day trip from Bordeaux. Located northeast of Bordeaux in the Charente département, this region has been producing the world's most celebrated brandy for over 300 years. Pickup is from your hotel or accommodation in Bordeaux; travel throughout in a premium air-conditioned minivan (up to 8 guests) with an onboard PA system.

Two Contrasting Distillery Visits & Guided Tastings

The tour includes visits to two carefully selected Cognac distilleries offering contrasting experiences. The first stop features a globally renowned Cognac House — such as Hennessy, Martell, Rémy Martin, or Camus — where you'll explore the full production process from vineyard to bottle, tour the ageing cellars, and taste a curated selection of their finest Cognacs.

The second visit takes you to a smaller, family-run distillery, offering a more intimate and traditional perspective on Cognac production. Here, you'll discover the artisanal techniques and personal philosophy that distinguish a boutique producer from a grand maison — and taste Cognacs of remarkable character rarely found outside the region.

At both stops, your guide explains the key stages of production: grape harvesting, fermentation, double distillation in copper pot stills (alambic charentais), and ageing in Limousin oak barrels — the combination that gives Cognac its unique complexity and depth.

Explore the Town of Cognac

Between visits, enjoy free time to explore the charming historic town of Cognac at your own pace — stroll the old quarter, admire the medieval château, or enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (at own expense). For an elevated experience, a special dining option at one of the prestigious Cognac Houses can be arranged.

The Cognac Region – Six Crus & Ugni Blanc

The Cognac appellation is divided into six production zones, each named for its soil type and ranked by the finesse of the eaux-de-vie it produces: Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bon Bois, and Bois Ordinaires. A blend of Grande and Petite Champagne Cognacs — with at least 50% from Grande Champagne — may be labelled "Fine Champagne", one of the appellation's most prestigious designations.

The primary grape variety is Ugni Blanc (known as Trebbiano in Italy), valued for its high acidity and neutral flavour profile — ideal for producing the thin, dry base wine that undergoes double distillation. Your guide will explain these production rules and how the choice of cru, grape, and oak influences the final character of each Cognac.