Wine, Châteaux & Cognac: Bordeaux to Loire Valley Escape

Transfer from Bordeaux to Cognac
This morning, we will come and pick you up in Bordeaux or surrounding area and begin to make our way to Cognac. Meet your English speaking local guide who will go over the program of the day with you and who is an expert in Bordeaux wines.

Stop in the Saint Emilion Wine Region
On your way to Cognac, we will stop in the Saint Emilion wine region. Here, we have booked a visit & wine tasting session in a Grand Cru Château winery of the appellation. Visit the winery, understand the different steps of the winemaking process, the ageing of the wine in the oak barrels and participate in a commented tasting session of the Château wines. 

Enjoy a picnic lunch or Cheese & Charcuterie plate at the Château
Your visit & wine tasting will be followed by a picnic lunch or cheese and cold meat plate at the Château (choice to be made during booking processs). If you choose the picnic option, you will enjoy a picnic basket made of a selection of fresh and local products including jam, salad, roasted meat, cheese, fruits, bread and mini-pâtisserie. The Cheese & Charcuterie option includes different types of charcuterie from local producers with paté and foie gras along with a selection of aged French cheeses.

Visit the medieval village of Saint Emilion
After lunch, your driver/guide will take you to the village of Saint Emilion. Here, enjoy a stroll through this charming village and listen to the story of Saint Emilion. After the stroll, enjoy some free time for personal discovery. The village is also a great location for those who would like to purchase some wine to ship back home as there are a number of wine shops specialized in Saint Emilion wines.

Transfer to Chais Monnet Hotel & Spa in Cognac
After the visit of the village, it will be time to drive to Cognac. Upon arrival, check in at your 5* Hotel & Spa - Chais Monnet. 

Breakfast at your hotel.

Visit & Tasting at Rémy Martin Cognac Winery
In the morning, we have pre-booked a special visit & tasting at Rémy Martin Cognac winery. Walk in the footsteps of the founders and cellar masters who have shaped Rémy Martin, and explore our historic cellars where our old
eaux-de-vie age. Listen to the story of nearly three centuries of cognac creation. You will visit the historic House and its cellars followed by a tasting of 3 Cognacs accompanied by delicacies.

Free time for lunch (at own expense) in Cognac
After the visit, enjoy some free time for personal discovery in Cognac. You can also have lunch in one of the many local restaurants that serve fresh products and local foods paired with Bordeaux wines. 

Visit & Tasting at Hennessy Cognac Winery
After some time for lunch and personal discovery, your second visit of the day awaits. Reach the historic House of Cognac Hennessy where we have pre-booked a visit for you. 

Uncover the secrets of one of the Maison’s most iconic cognacs, Hennessy X.O, through a journey across both banks of the Charente river that’s sure to delight all your senses. After an introduction into the history, savoir-faire and world of the Hennessy brand against a contemporary backdrop, you will move on to the cellar named “Paradis” by the Maison, where some of the our oldest eaux-de-vie are stored. 

The highlight of the tour includes tasting the eaux-de-vie and learning about how Hennessy X.O is blended in a demonstration of the unparalleled savoir-faire of our Master Blender and his Tasting Committee to select, age and blend the finest cognacs.

* Important information: this day does not include any transport as all the Cognac wineries are located at a short walking distance from your hotel. All visits will have been pre-booked by our team of travel experts. 

Breakfast at your hotel.

Today, we will come and pick you up at your hotel. Check out from Hotel Chais Monnet and board your premium A/C vehicle. Drive to the Loire Valley where will drop you off at your hotel in Tours, Amboise or surrounding area.