Bordeaux to Armagnac: Private Day Trip with Distillery Tours & Tastings

FAQ

• What is Armagnac?

  Armagnac is the oldest French eau-de-vie! For more than 700 years, this Gascon elixir with its little-known singularity has stood out in the landscape of spirits because it preserves the life of the wine from which it originates.
  
  Armagnac is an eau-de-vie distilled exclusively from white wine. The Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l’Armagnac, founded in 1962, is responsible for monitoring and promoting Armagnac eau-de-vie.
  
  The grape varieties that go into the composition of Armagnac have been codified since 1909 and the decree of Fallières. Some of them, however, have completely disappeared. Still others are appellation specific.
  
  There are 10 authorized grape varieties: Ugni Blanc, Baco 22A, Colombard, Folle Blanche, Jurançon Blanc, Clairette de Gascogne, Blanquette Grise, Plant de Graisse, Meslier-Saint-François and the Mauzac.
  
  Once vinified in white in the traditional way, the wines are blended and distilled. It is from this blending and distillation that the precious Armagnac eau-de-vie is born.

• What is Armagnac made from?

  Armagnac is a brandy that is distilled from a blend of different grape varieties including Baco 22A, Colombard, Ugni Blanc and Folle Blanche. Originally, 10 grape varieties can be used to make Armagnac but in reality only the 4 mentioned above are used. These are very local grape varieties that one can find in the Gascony region of France. 

• What is the difference between Armagnac & Cognac?

  There are a few differences between Armagnac &  Cognac. Basically, the base of the spirits is the same: white wine made from Ugni Blanc grape variety. The distillation process is the most notable differences between Armagnac and Cognac. Armagnac is distilled only one time in column stills while Cognac is distilled twice in pot stills also known as Alambic Charentais.

• Do you organize pick up and return at accommodation for Bordeaux private tours?

  Yes, all private tours include a pick up and drop off at requested location – hotel, AirB&B, Bordeaux airport, Bordeaux train station. We also pick up 30kms around Bordeaux at no extra cost.

• What type of vehicles are used during your Armagnac private wine tours?

  Our company uses only premium cars & minivans that are recent, comfortable and fully equipped including individual A/C, shaded windows and large leg space.

• Who conducts your Armagnac private tour from Bordeaux?

  We only employ accredited and licensed tour guides that are also the drivers for all tours that need visits to be conducted by certified guides. Good examples are: the visit of museums, guided walking tours in cities, visit of historical monuments and so on.
  
  In some regions, where wine tours prevail (Bordeaux, Alsace, Burgundy) the tours are conducted by professional local guides or sommeliers, that are experts in Wines. On this particular tour, we will include the services of one of our guides, expert in Armagnac.

• Are the visits in the Armagnac properties private?

  Yes, all our Armagnac tours include a private visit to different estates. The visits and tastings are often conducted by the owners themselves or from the cellar masters.

• Is it possible to choose which Armagnac properties we can visit?

  Absolutely, send us your list of Armagnac wineries that you would like to visit and our team of travel advisors will make the necessary arrangements. If you do not have any idea of where you would like to go then let us do the work for you as we have a nice & updated list of local producers known for their passion and quality Armagnac.

• Is lunch included on this Armagnac private tour from Bordeaux?

  No, we never include lunch on our private tours. If you would like to include lunch then just let us know and our team of travel designers will be happy to select a local restaurant for you and make the necessary arrangements. It is also possible for you to ask your guide for suggestions in the morning, on the day of the tour.