The World of Cognac

Today, the global Cognac market represents nearly 150 million bottles and is worth 1.7 billion Euros. 4 bottles of Cognac are consumed every second in the world. The name 'Cognac' is protected and only brandy produced in the region is entitled to carry the name on its label. The Cognac region is located in the Western-France and production is centred around the medieval town of Cognac.

The most famous Cognac houses (Camus, Otard, Hennessy, Martell, Courvoisier, Remy Martin) all organise guided tours and provide a fascinating insight to the world of Cognac production, its history and of course a visit to old cellars followed by a tasting. It is also well worth visiting some of the smaller producers and family businesses such as Boutiers Brard Blanchard near Cognac or Breuil Domaine de Segonzac, both specialising in organic production.

Each year from December to February the various houses hosts open weekends and invite the public to discover the secrets of brandy making. The weekend programmes include dinner at the distillery, concerts in the cellar and a Cognac tasting.

The Cognac trails are made up from five different routes of 'Les Etapes du Cognac' and run from one village  to the next, providing an opportunity to meet local people and gain an insight into winegrowing traditions, gourmet food and the heritage linked to the vineyards of Charente that make up the Cognac area.

And finally, to  complete the stay visit the 'Cognathèque' in Cognac itself which has the largest display of cognacs in the world (450 cognacs and 50 pineaux des Charentes) and also offer tasting workshops covering the history of cognac, grape varieties, production processes.

More information on Cognac and the Cognac Houses: tourism-cognac.com

More information about the Cognac trails: cognacetapes.com

More about the Poitou-Charentes: visit-poitou-charentes.com