Cognac is more than just a brandy—it’s a region where craftsmanship, tradition, and the landscape come together to create memorable experiences. What makes a Cognac tour truly special is the opportunity to see how this iconic spirit is made, often in family-run houses that have been perfecting their craft for generations. We especially like tours that offer authentic, hands-on experiences, like learning about distillation, aging, and blending. One standout is the Braastad Cognac discovery tour, which combines a family-run atmosphere with a tasting of all three iconic Cognac categories. Whether you’re into spirits, scenic walks, or exploring vineyards by 4×4, Cognac offers something unique for every traveler.
Quick Overview
Our list features a mix of distillery tours, tastings, walks, and adventures—each offering a different way to experience the region’s heritage. From the Braastad family house to the Citadelle Gin Distillery (see more), you’ll find options suited for spirits enthusiasts, history lovers, or those looking for scenic outings. Whether you prefer a 1-hour visit or a full-day private tour, read on for details.
1. Jarnac: Braastad cognac discovery tour
At number 1, the Braastad Cognac discovery tour offers a 1.5-hour visit to a family-run house that’s been crafting Cognac for six generations. This tour is remarkable because it covers all the steps of making cognac—from distillation to aging—on one site. The tasting includes VS, VSOP, and XO, giving you a clear sense of the variety and depth of flavors. Tour guide Eric gets high praise for his knowledge and enthusiasm. Several reviews highlight how this tour combines education with a warm, authentic vibe.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at a true family house without spending hours, with the added bonus of tasting the entire range of Cognacs.
2. Discovery tour Braastad Cognac
Ranking number 2, this Discovery tour Braastad Cognac is slightly shorter—about 1.5 hours—yet equally comprehensive. It offers a deep dive into the development of cognac, including a visit to a unique distillery and the bottling workshop. What makes this tour stand out is the access to their cabinet of curiosities and cellars, where you can appreciate the aging process first-hand. The tour’s reviews mention how informative and friendly the guide is, with guests especially loving the on-site production.
Bottom line: Best suited for curious travelers who want a well-rounded experience that covers production, aging, and bottling.
3. Visit Citadelle Gin Distillery
Number 3 in our list is the Citadelle Gin Distillery, which surprises many visitors with its focus on artisanal gin rather than Cognac. In this 1.5-hour tour, you’ll see the cathedral-style distillery and taste 4 different gins, including the original Citadelle. The tour also features a Summer Garden, making it a lovely way to enjoy the region’s botanical spirits. Visitors comment on the exclusive insights into French gin-making, which complements the Cognac experiences nicely.
Bottom line: Ideal for spirits lovers who want to expand beyond Cognac and learn about artisanal gin craftsmanship.
4. Retro road trip/ Méhari, 2CV & Burton in Rochefort, La Rochelle
Number 4 is the Retro Road Trip—a 2CV or Méhari adventure through Charente Maritime. For around $237, your group of up to 4 can explore the region by vintage car, passing through local villages, beaches, and scenic spots. The tour includes pre-planned circuits like the Charas route, perfect for those who prefer a self-guided yet curated experience. It’s a fun way to see coastal views and rural landscapes while enjoying some nostalgia.
Bottom line: Best for groups seeking a unique, laid-back exploration of the region at their own pace, with plenty of photo opportunities.
5. Au Cœur du Château – VSOP D’USSÉ & XO BARON OTARD
At number 5, this Château de Cognac offers a 1 hour 15-minute tour into Baron Otard’s historic château. You’ll explore cellars and learn about how Cognac is made from your guide, then enjoy tastings of VSOP and XO Gold. The reviews praise it as a well-organized, informative experience that balances history and flavor. It’s particularly good for history buffs interested in the architecture and heritage of Cognac houses.
Bottom line: A solid choice for those wanting historical context paired with tastings in a convenient location.
6. Prestige Tour and Cognac Tasting
Number 6 features the Prestige Tour, which is a more intimate experience. For about $41.54, you get a guided exploration of a family house, including a bottling workshop and cellar visit. Guests enjoy aged Cognacs and a detailed explanation of the production process. Reviewers note that the tour is personal and educational, making it great for those serious about understanding the nuances of Cognac craftsmanship.
Bottom line: Best for travelers who want a deeper dive into the production process with a focus on aged spirits.
7. 1 hour walk – The Gabarres river route
Number 7 is a relaxing 1-hour electric scooter tour along the Gabarres river. This allows you to explore the region’s scenic waterways and historic sites in a fun, eco-friendly way. Reviewers mention how fun it is to tour vineyards and then visit the Braastad distillery afterward. It’s perfect for those wanting a casual, active experience that combines nature and local culture.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who prefer a laid-back outdoor activity with a scenic twist.
8. Cognac: Visit to a producer and food-pairing around his Cognacs
Ranked 8, this food-pairing experience is perfect for culinary enthusiasts. Over 1.5 hours, you’ll taste 4 different Cognacs paired with local savory and sweet bites. It offers a tasty exploration of flavor profiles and how Cognac complements food. The reviews highlight how this workshop is interactive and delicious, appealing to those interested in food and spirits.
Bottom line: Great for foodies who want to combine tasting with local gastronomy.
9. Rémy Martin 300th Anniversary Tour
Number 9, the Rémy Martin 300th Anniversary Tour, celebrates three centuries of expertise. It’s a 2-hour guided journey through the cellars and history of this famous house. Expect to learn the secrets of their craft and taste VSOP and XO with gourmet appetizers. Visitors find it educational and elegant—a good pick for those wanting to connect with a major brand.
Bottom line: Ideal for brand enthusiasts and history lovers wanting a rundown with tastings.
10. Rémy Martin Discover the production site by train
Next, the Rémy Martin train tour combines comfort with insight. Over 1.5 hours, you’ll travel on an electric train through cellars and vineyards, sampling two Cognacs with gourmet snacks. Reviewers praise the relaxing pace and scenic views. This is a smart choice for those who prefer a less physically demanding way to learn about Cognac production.
Bottom line: Perfect for visitors who want a comfortable overview with visual storytelling.
11. Cognac 4×4 getaway in the vineyards and visit/tasting at a winemaker’s estate
Number 11 offers a 3-hour off-road adventure by 4×4 vehicle. You’ll visit vineyards, meet a local winemaker, and enjoy tastings of local products. The tour takes you off the beaten path, with scenic views of the vineyard landscape and genuine conversations. Reviewers mention how this personalized experience awakens the senses and offers a more intimate connection with the region.
Bottom line: Suited for travelers seeking a hands-on, immersive experience in the vineyards.
12. 2-hour walk – Castles and vineyards
This 2-hour walk takes you through some of the region’s most impressive castles like Maison Courvoisier and Château Marnier-Lapostolle. It’s a good way to combine history, architecture, and vineyard views. Reviewers note the route allows access to exceptional cellars and castle grounds, perfect for those wanting a short but rich cultural walk.
Bottom line: Excellent for history and architecture buffs who want a focused, scenic tour.
13. Private tour from Cognac – Cognac Distillery & Bordeaux Winery with a workshop
Number 13 offers a full-day private experience combining wineries in Bordeaux and Cognac distilleries. For around $867, you visit two Bordeaux Château wineries, participate in a wine-making workshop, and then tour two Cognac estates. This is ideal for those wanting a luxurious, personalized trip that compares wine and Cognac side-by-side.
Bottom line: Best suited for special occasions or serious enthusiasts eager for an all-in-one French beverage tour.
14. Cognac: Private half-day tour – visits and tastings – 4×4
The Half-day private 4×4 tour combines personalized vineyard visits, local tastings, and scenic views. It’s a 4-hour experience with pick-up from Cognac and Panoramic tastings. Reviewers highlight its customization and incredible photo spots, making it a good choice for travelers wanting a tailored experience with beautiful scenery.
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a bespoke, scenic outing in the Cognac region.
15. Tasting Bourgoin Cognac the real winegrower’s cognac
Finally, the Tasting Bourgoin Cognac is a small-scale, personal experience. Frédéric Bourgoin, a terroirist winemaker, shares his organic vineyard’s natural spirits. It’s a rare chance to taste unassembled, unsweetened Cognacs made with organic methods. Reviewers mention how passionate Frédéric is and how much you learn about soil, terroir, and production.
Bottom line: Best for adventurous spirits interested in authentic, small-batch Cognacs and organic practices.
$46.34 per person
How to Choose the Best Cognac Tour for You
When selecting a tour, consider your interest level: do you want to learn about traditional distillation (see discovery tours), or are you more into experiencing the landscape? Budget matters, but also think about how much time you want to spend—a quick tasting might be enough, or you might prefer the full-day private experience. For fans of food and spirits, the food-pairing or the Bourgoin tasting may appeal most. If scenic views or active exploration are your thing, the electric scooter or 4×4 vineyard tours will fit better. Booking early is advisable, especially for private or popular tours.
Summing Up
Cognac offers a diverse array of tours—from family-run distilleries to scenic river walks and off-road vineyard adventures. For a deep dive into the spirit’s production, the Braastad discovery tour and the Château Otard tour stand out. For something more relaxed and scenic, the river route walk or the 4×4 vineyard trip are excellent picks.
If you’re a spirits connoisseur, don’t miss the Rémy Martin 300th anniversary tour, while the gin distillery visit offers a refreshing break from Cognac. No matter your interests, booking early ensures you’ll secure the experience best fit for your trip—so start planning now and enjoy learning about this world-famous region.