About this tour
A guided day trip from Bordeaux that takes you into the heart of Cognac country in a private air-conditioned van. Your expert guide arranges visits to the 10th-century Royal Castle of Cognac, now home to the Otard distillery, and one of the region's prestigious brandy houses where you'll learn the production techniques behind Napoleon's favourite spirit. Lunch at a local restaurant showcases regional cooking. The full experience lasts 8–9 hours with all transport included.
Highlights
- Royal Castle of Cognac, built around 950 AD
- Otard distillery housed within the historic castle
- Behind-the-scenes brandy production and ageing methods
- Tasting session at a major Cognac house
- Private van with air conditioning and Wi-Fi throughout
- Groups of 3–7 people only
- Lunch at an authentic local restaurant
What to expect
Your guide collects you from Bordeaux and drives you south to Cognac in a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle. The morning focuses on the castle: a fortified estate that's been in continuous use since the 10th century and now functions as the Otard company's cellars and headquarters. After exploring the grounds and learning the building's layered history, you'll break for lunch at a nearby restaurant serving regional specialities. The afternoon is devoted to one of Cognac's grand houses, where specialists walk you through barrel storage, blending practices, and the slow maturation process that defines the spirit. You'll taste samples before returning to Bordeaux in the same relaxed style.
Good to know
Entrance fees and tastings at the Cognac houses are not included in the tour price—budget accordingly. Lunch is also separate. Children under 18 cannot participate in tastings but are welcome on the tour. Prams and specialised infant seats are available. Service animals permitted.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.