La Rochelle Cruise Excursion to Cognac Distilleries

Embark on a vibrant Shore Excursion from La Rochelle / La Pallice Port of Call and visit the most famous brandy producing region of France - Cognac  

Pick up at Le Rochelle Cruise Port and meet your guide

Departing from La Rochelle Cruise Port, this Atlantic Coast full day private shore excursion will take you to the Cognac brandy producing region. First, we will come and pick you up at your cruise ship in La Rochelle Cruise Port.

Meet your English speaking driver guide who will go over the itinerary and program of the day with you. Then, board your air conditioned vehicle and depart for the Cognac vineyards in the Charente region.

Today’s day tour destination is the town of Cognac, which lies to the northeast of Bordeaux region and lends its name to the famous brandy that has been produced in the surrounding wine region for the last 300 years. 

Travel in a spacious premium minivan 

Your private La Rochelle Day Trip to Cognac will take place in one of our very spacious premium Minivans. This vehicle can take up to 8 persons, the vehicle will only be for you. All our vehicles are equipped with an on board P/A system that allows you to hear the commentary of your driver/guide no matter where you are seated. Also, there is free Wi-Fi access in all vehicles. Bottled water is also available in all our vehicles.

Depart for a full day private tour to Cognac

Begin to make your way to the Cognac wine region. Your Cognac distillery tour will include a visit and tasting at two different distilleries: one with a name that is known all over the world like cognac france hennessy tour, Martell, Remy Martin, Otard Cognac tour or Camus, and one that is less known and is still family owned and operated.

The two visits will include a guided tour of the installations and then participate in a Cognac tasting to compare the differences between large and small-scale productions of Cognac. The visits also cover topics such as the grape varieties used, the fermentation and distillation methods, as well as the aging and blending process. After each visit, you will have the chance to taste several different kinds of brandy produced by the House of Cognac.

During the day, enjoy some free time for personal discovery and lunch in the historical town of Cognac. If you wish, we can organise a special lunch experience in one of the many Cognac Houses so as to enhance your experience. All tasting & dining options will be available during the booking process.

More information about Cognac 

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 local wine is very dry, acidic, and thin, “virtually undrinkable”, but excellent for distillation and aging. It can 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.