Discover the world of fine Cognac on a private full-day tour from Bordeaux, with exclusive tastings, expert guides, and a lunch stop in the charming town of Cognac.
Cognac Distillery Full Day Tour from Bordeaux - Private
Summary Description
Highlights
- Visit Two Famed Houses of Cognac
- Stop for Lunch in the Historic City of Cognac
- Hand-Picked Guides Only. English-Speaking, Experts in Cognac
Description
Embark on the ultimate Cognac Wine Tour Full Day Trip from Bordeaux and indulge in the world’s finest brandy on this private, expertly guided experience. Your day begins with a convenient hotel pick-up in Bordeaux, whisking you away in a comfortable, modern minivan. Enjoy fascinating live commentary from your English-speaking guide, specially selected for their expertise in Cognac. You’ll visit two world-renowned Cognac Houses—such as Hennessy, Rémy Martin, Otard, or Camus—for exclusive tastings and behind-the-scenes tours, with all visits pre-booked to ensure a seamless journey. Relish free time to explore the charming historic heart of Cognac, where you can savor lunch at a local bistro (at your own expense). This immersive tour offers a perfect blend of culture, heritage, and exquisite flavor—all while your knowledgeable guide unravels the secrets from the region’s ancient soils to the aromatic complexities in each glass. Book now for a truly unforgettable taste of France’s legacy!
The Cognac Wine Region
The region authorized to produce cognac is divided into six zones, including five crus. The six zones are: Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bon Bois and finally Bois Ordinaire. A blend of Grande and Petite Champagne Cognacs, with at least half coming from Grande Champagne, is known as Fine Champagne.
The wine is very dry, acidic, and thin, “virtually undrinkable”, but excellent for distillation and aging. It may be made only from a strict list of grape varieties, if it is to carry the name of one of the crus then it must be at least 90% Ugni Blanc (known in Italy as Trebbiano), Folle Blanche and Colombard, although 10% of the grapes used can be Folignan, Jurançon blanc, Meslier St-François (also called Blanc Ramé), Sélect, Montils or Sémillon.
Your Cognac Wine Tour
Your excursion will include a visit and tasting at two different Cognac distilleries: one with a name that is known all over the world like Hennessy, Martell, or Camus, and one that is less known and is still family owned and operated.
The two visits will allow you to compare the differences between large and small-scale productions of Cognac and will cover topics such as the grape varieties used, the fermentation and distillation methods, and the aging and blending process. After each visit, you will have the chance to taste several different kinds of brandy produced by the distillery. Between visits, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant where you will sample typical cuisine and wine from the region.
This private tour ensures you enjoy full attention from your guide.
Included / Excluded
- Hotel pick up from Bordeaux or surrounding area.
- Enjoy live commentaries from your expert guide.
- Pre-booked visits to 2 Cognac Houses.
- Travel in recent, comfortable and fully equipped minivans.
- Tasting fees at the Cognac Houses
- Meals and drinks (lunch)
- Personal travel insurance, expenses.
- Gratuities for the Guide.
Start / End Locations
Start Location: Bordeaux, France
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- This product is on request.
- Tour requires minimum 2 passengers (adults) to operate.
- This tour is not recommended for persons with reduced mobility.
- Not wheelchair accessible.
- Please be ready 10 minutes before departure time
- Currency is in Euro.
- Tour is operated in English, other languages on request.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 48 hours
Cancellation Notes: For any cancellation, the following fees will be deducted from the refund: Up to 48 hours prior to departure: no cancellation fees except the booking fees. 48 hours prior to departure and less > no refund. No show - no refund.
Options and Pricing
| Price per person based on 2 particpants | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (18 - 99 years) | €450.00 |
Points of interest
Terms and Conditions
All our terms & conditions can be found here: https://www.ophorus.com/terms-sales
Additional Information
In regards to the protection of the environment, we will no longer provide plastic bottles of water during our tours. You are kindly advised to bring your own. Water and refills are available at the wineries, museums and attractions visited.
Please note: In France, snacks are usually not provided during wine tastings to preserve the purity of the wine's flavor. We recommend having a good breakfast or lunch beforehand.
FAQ
How far is Cognac from Bordeaux and how long is the journey?
Cognac is approximately 120 km northeast of Bordeaux, roughly a 1.5 hour drive depending on traffic. All transport is included in your private tour — your driver-guide will collect you from central Bordeaux and return you at the end of the day, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation or parking.
Which distilleries will we visit?
The tour typically includes a private visit to one or two carefully selected distilleries, which may range from iconic Cognac houses to smaller artisan producers. The selection can be tailored to your interests — whether you prefer a grand maison experience, a family-run craft distillery, or a combination of both. Please mention any preferences at the time of booking.
Is this tour suitable for people who are not spirits experts?
Absolutely. No prior knowledge of Cognac or spirits is needed. Your private guide will explain everything from the vineyard and the distillation process to the art of blending and ageing, in a relaxed and engaging way. The experience is designed to be equally enjoyable for curious beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alik
How many Cognacs will we taste?
Tastings typically include several expressions — usually covering VS, VSOP and XO categories — allowing you to explore how age and blending style shape the final spirit. Some distilleries may also offer the opportunity to taste rare or single-estate expressions not available in retail.
Can I buy bottles directly at the distillery?
Yes — most distilleries have an on-site boutique where you can purchase bottles, including exclusive or limited editions that are not widely available elsewhere. This is a great opportunity to bring home something truly special.
Is lunch included in the tour?
Lunch is not included in the base price, but your guide can recommend excellent local restaurants in and around Cognac town, and arrangements can be made in advance on request. The Charente region has a wonderful food culture, and combining a distillery visit with a leisurely lunch is very much part of the local experience.
Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers or designated drivers in the group?
Yes. While the tasting experience is central to the tour, non-drinkers are very welcome. Distillery visits are fascinating from a historical, architectural and sensory perspective regardless of whether you taste. Please let us know in advance and the guide will ensure everyone in the group has an enjoyable experience.
About operator:
Ophorus Tours is both a licensed Tour Operator, member of Atout France and ETOA, and a Transportation company with headquarters in Bordeaux. We operate since 2005 and conduct Walking Tours, Day Trips, Private Tours, Shore Excursions and multi-regional Tours throughout France.
Our multilingual office staff is made up of France Travel Experts that design unique itineraries for both individuals and groups. Their perfect knowledge of the destination allows them to suggest carefully crafted programs to professionals of the Travel Trade all over the world.
Our in house team of licensed, multilingual Tour Guides are local Experts that can conduct any type of tours including (but not limited to) Cultural & Historical, Food & Wine, Luxury, Battlefields, Active, Family friendly, Faith-based etc...
Our multilingual office staff is made up of France Travel Experts that design unique itineraries for both individuals and groups. Their perfect knowledge of the destination allows them to suggest carefully crafted programs to professionals of the Travel Trade all over the world.
Our in house team of licensed, multilingual Tour Guides are local Experts that can conduct any type of tours including (but not limited to) Cultural & Historical, Food & Wine, Luxury, Battlefields, Active, Family friendly, Faith-based etc...
Basic Information
- Duration: 8 hours
- Trip difficulty: Easy
- Max Group Size: 8
- Category: Private Tours
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