Cognac and Vineyard Trails

A holiday in France would not be complete without a visit to one of the vineyards and tasting of the local wines (vin de pays). However, La Maison de St George is fortunate to be located in the heart of Cognac Country! Our complimentary self-guided tours provide a great opportunity for our visitors to sample not just the spirit of Cognac but also the many pleasures of this region!

Cognac has been the main source of wealth for the Poitou-Charentes region for more than four hundred years. The liquor owes its outstanding character to the warm, humid climate and the soil in this region of south west France. The cognac vineyards are to be found in Charente and Charente-Maritime, so La Maison is the perfect place to start your tour to discover the secret behind Cognac!

The most prestigious of the distilleries are based in the and around the city of Cognac and further along the river to Jarnac. All offer you the chance of special visits and a little tasting, normally for only a small entrance fee:

• Hennessy: an informative tour with a ferryboat linking the cellars and distilleries on both sides of the river. Finish the tour with a tasting in their fabulous bar overlooking the Charente River;
• Martell: a personal tour around the historic home of John Martell with excellent features including the historic river sailing barge. The bar is very homely and difficult to leave at the end of the tour!
• Otard: discover the secrets of cognac in this costumed tour through the chateau of François 1st, with a chance to savour this aged spirit at the end of the tour in the impressive bar.
• Rémy Martin: an impressive tour as a miniature train takes you through the vineyards and cellars of this famous house. The final view across hundreds of barrels leads you down into an equally impressive bar for a taste of frozen Cognac!
• Courvoisier: on the banks of the Charente River, the Cognac of Napoléon offers a unique journey through the history of cognac. The ‘scent barrels’ unveil the secret between the oak and the eau-de-vie.
• Louis Royer: experience a worldwide journey when embarking on a personal tour of the Royer distillery and enjoy the chance to discover its wonderful selection of cognacs and liqueurs.

Why not also savour the local speciality ‘Pineau des Charentes’? This is a natural aperitif made from unfermented grape juice mixed with Cognac brandy. It is drunk after ageing in oak casks and is delicious! Most of the local distilleries will offer a free tasting as part of your guided tour!

Donna and Peter have researched a number of self-guided full day tours around the region. These will enable you to experience a little of the trades, crafts and expertise required to turn grapes into the precious brandy, to enjoy the breathtaking expanse of countryside, the heritage of the Romanesque architecture and the mouth-watering flavours of Poitou-Charentes.

It would be our pleasure to make the necessary advanced reservations for the selected distilleries and restaurants on your chosen self- guided route. For full details of the Trails available please complete the Enquiry Form with your request.

Booking Your Trail
Click on the Enquiry Form to enable us to check availability of both the accommodation and your preferred distilleries. You will be notified that La Maison has received your request, and will reply to you within 48 hours. CLICK FOR FORM