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

Discover The Delights Of The Distinctive Armagnac Brandy

Armagnac is a type of brandy distilled from wine made from a blend of grapes. The resulting spirit is then aged in oak barrels before release. Today participate in a private tour to visit several family owned wineries where you will be shown and explained the distilling process followed by a comparative tasting. We will also have you visit one of the most traditional villages of the region.

After having picked you up from your centrally located accommodation in Bordeaux, let us take you to Gascony, one of the most delicious corners of France where Armagnac is produced. This full day tour will enchant those of you who wish to discover one of the most authentic areas of France.

Dotted with pristine medieval villages, blessed with delicious food & wines, the region has retained its rural heritage and traditions as if frozen in time. Unknown to most tourists, it is the perfect destination for those of you that wish to experience France off the beaten path.

First, A Visit To A Local Winery Of Bas-Armagnac region

Our first stop will be in one of the most famous Armagnac wine making estate. Armagnac is the oldest ‘eau-de-vie’ in France. Known since the mid 1400’s, it was the Dutch that made it popular under the distilled form that we can still taste today. 

Upon arrival, begin the visit with an introduction to the history of the family. You will be explained how today, the owners roam the estates on the best terroirs, that of the Bas Armagnac and its tawny sands, to select, cultivate and bottle the most beautiful discoveries.

Around forty estates contribute to an extraordinary collection that complete and perfect their ageing in the family owned cellars. Then, take part in a commented tasting session so as to better understand what the ‘Grands Assemblages’ are all about.

Then, Discover The Village Of Labastide D’Armagnac

After your visit, head towards one of the most beautiful villages of the area. Labastide d’Armagnac was founded at the end of the 13th century by Bernard VI, Count of Armagnac, in a period when the region was under English rule. The village, built around the Place Royale, named in honor of the king of England, has maintained its architectural design and medieval fascination fully intact.

Categorized as a fortified village, constructed around a harmonious village square, bordered by colorful houses, arches, porticos and colonnades, Labastide d’Armagnac is recognized as one the best conserved of all the bastides.

Follow your guide as you stroll through the narrow streets of the village and are explained what a Bastide is all about and why these villages were built in those days. For lunch ask your guide for restaurant suggestions. This might be a good time to taste the local aperitif named Floc de Gascogne which is a mix of young wine with young Armagnac and needs to be served very fresh.

Finally, end the day with a final tasting

Only a short distance from Labastide d’Armagnac, Chateau Garreau is next on our itinerary. Here, the fertile soil, the century old cellars and amazing stills (dating from 1919) are just a few of the components that allow the winery to obtain an incomparable taste and personality to the Armagnacs produced.

Before tasting Armagnac, you will also have the opportunity to visit the winemakers & Alembic museums that house tools used in the vineyard and century old stills that are still in use today. After the visit and tasting, return to Bordeaux.