Cognac is a simply stunning part of France that we explore in The Three Drinkers in Cognac. There is so much to see and do and although we’ve covered everything except the drinks in our guide here, it’s now time to cover what the region is most famous for – its distilleries. Let’s begin with some of the amazing locations we visit in the Amazon Prime series!
AS FEATURED IN THE THREE DRINKERS IN COGNAC
Courvoisier
The opening minutes of the first episode sees The Three Drinkers visit Domaine Guilloteau to see the operational production process, a picturesque winery owned by the iconic Courvoisier. The public attraction however is The Maison Courvoisier, the famous 19th-century house in the heart of Jarnac. The 90-minute tour covers the nuances of distillation, ageing and blending, Napoleonic history, local geology, a trip down into the cellars, and of course, a tasting of the delicious end product itself, in VS, VSOP and XO styles.
Rémy Martin
Not only can the historic Grande Champagne vineyards of Rémy Martin be seen in Episode Three, but also the tasting room of the house and even ‘Paradis’ in Episode Four. Dating back to 1724, it is the only cognac house founded by a winemaker (no prizes for guessing the name) and pioneered the region’s first wine cooperative – Alliance Fine Champagne. Their award-winning visitor experience is varied with plenty of different tour options, from train visits around the elegant estate to the magical Infinity Experience. One thing is certain however, you will see how this legendary liquid is made from grape to glass and you will taste from that glass at the end.
Grand Marnier
Grand Marnier is the other best-known liquid in the area, and Episode Two explores its stunning home – the 17th-century Château de Bourg-Charente. Since 1921, the family has used it to store, age and blend their Cognacs but over the last decade, expansion of the site means it is also where the other most important ingredient in Grand Marnier is distilled – dried orange peel. If you want to know more about this incredible product then watch the show or check out our guide here!
Audemus Spirits
Episode Four of The Three Drinkers in Cognac shows the charming Audemus Spirits helping Aidy and Helena with their own gin. Famed for its inventive and renowned Pink Pepper gin among others, this one-of-a-kind distillery is also a living room. That’s right, a far cry from the majestic Cognac houses, this is a much smaller operation hence there are no public tours or anything unfortunately. Keep your eyes peeled on the website though for events that do pop up, and to peruse the unique blends Audemus produces.
MORE BEAUTIFUL VISITS
Au Coeur du Château - VSOP Baron Otard & VSOP D'Ussé
For a visit that combines history and cognac, it doesn’t get much better than the Château Royal de Cognac. Overlooking the stunning Charente, this castle began as a fortress a thousand years ago before evolving into a stately home. Catching the eye of Baron Otard, the site was transformed into a formidable Cognac house. So, not only will you see how the robust castle walls help produce delicious eaux-de-vie, but there are also secret cellars, old prison cells and eye-catching Gothic and Renaissance architecture to keep you entertained.
Hine
Deep in bustling Jarnac, Hine’s tours have developed a top reputation for clearly explaining the nuances of cognac production in layman’s terms. Not only are they producing some of the most unique cognac blends out there (such as their rum-esque VSOP), but their super engaging, visual and entertaining tour and exhibits leave you knowing the process inside out. They have a few different options when exploring their riverside house at 16 quai de l’Orangerie so just see which suits you best!
Hennessy Les Visites
Hennessy is another of the Big Four Cognac Houses, and one of the flagship brands of the drink’s cool comeback. The 90-minute tour is the complete package, with audio-visual presentation, art, boat ride, guided tasting with side dishes, ancient cellars and of course, every Hennessy bottle made including one-off rarities. Perched right beside the Charente and with the bridge in the background, you are guaranteed to feel the prestige of Hennessy before you even set foot on dry land.
If you want more things to do in and around Cognac, check out our other Things to Do here (you’d be amazed at what you can get up to!).