Explore Cognac's Secrets: Private Distillery Tour & Tasting from Bordeaux

FAQ

• What is difference between Cognac and Brandy?

  In the same sense that Scotch is a type of whisky, cognac is a specific type of brandy that’s made in accordance with strict regulations.

   

• What is Cognac made of?

  In order to qualify as cognac, the brandy must be produced using white grapes from one of six different terroirs in the Cognac region of Southwest France. The juice must be double-distilled in a copper pot still and aged in French oak barrels for a minimum of two years.

   

• Where does the name Cognac come from?

  Cognac is the name of a small French town located in southwestern France. Here, local winemakers have been distilling wines since the 16th century. The spirit (Brandy) was then simply referred to by the name of the town where it was produced - Cognac.

• What type of vehicles are used during your Bordeaux private 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 private tours 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 Cognac.

• Are the Cognac Houses Tours private on this Day Trip from Bordeaux?

  This all depends on the tour that you have chosen. For the introductory tours, these are usually grouped tours but in general the numbers remain low as the Cognac Houses privatize larger group tours. In that case you might follow the tour with other guests. 

  On the more exclusive tours, the visits and the tastings will be for you and your party only.

• What can we expect on this private Cognac Tour from Bordeaux?

  On our Cognac private tour you can expect to be in good hands with one of our English speaking local guide that is an expert in Cognac. Ask all the questions you always wanted to as you drive from Bordeaux to Cognac. If you are a novice and booked the tour as an introduction to Cognac, then listen to your guide as he explains during the driving time the origins of Cognac, how it is distilled and what to expect during the tasting sessions. All this is done safely thanks to our on-board P/A system that allows everyone to hear even if you are seated at the back.
  
  Then, depending on the Cognac Houses you have booked, we will take you directly there where you will follow the tours & tastings. If you have not made any choices we will include the visit & tastings in two Cognac Houses for you. For lunch you will have some free time in the historical town of Cognac. Don't hesitate to ask your guide for some recommendations. 

• Is it possible to visit or choose some famous Cognac Houses on this Tour from Bordeaux?

  Yes, absolutely. You will be able to choose one of our selected visits in the some of the most prestigious Cognac Houses during your booking process. From tours that will introduce you to Cognac to high-end luxury tastings, we have included visits to Hennessy, Martell, Meukow, Rémy Martin and Camus. If the Cognac House you wish to visit is not on this list, just let us know and our team of travel advisors will contact them directly to find out if it is possible to organize a visit for you and your party.

• Is lunch included on this 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.