You probably know the name Cognac only as an expensive type of brandy, but the beverage is actually named after the commune (town) of Cognac in southwestern France. With about 19,000 residents, this lovely historic town is a destination for all seasons, whether visiting for Cognac tastings or for exploring the stunning, surrounding countryside… or both!

Certainly the heritage sites are here, from Gallo-Roman Saintes to the town of Cognac itself, birthplace of France’s Renaissance King, Francis I, born in 1494 at Royal Castle of Cognac. This part of France definitely offers its own distinct geography, history and cuisine.

© Charentes Tourisme

There are more than 260 Cognac “houses” in the French départments (provinces) of Charente and Charente-Maritime, and visitors can arrange to view many of these production facilities and vineyards by taking self-guided tours by e-bike or rental car, or by joining a group tour. Both large and small houses welcome visitors to experience the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée Charentais two-step, or double distillation process, known as chauffes (meaning to warm up). The AOC sets the rules for all French wines.

In many Cognac houses, that experience can include tastings, mixology, vineyard tours and even meals to enjoy with Cognac tastings. The largest and most well-known houses in the Cognac region are Hennessy, Rémy Martin, D’Ussé, Courvoisier and Martell.

Cognac is a specific type of brandy produced from distilled white wine. Distillation is achieved in the unique and distinctive Charentais copper still, which encompasses a pot (or boiler), a swan neck pipe, cooler and condensing coil. The beverage is then aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two years. Visitors learn about the whole process that takes place from the mid-September to October harvest of the white wine grapes (mostly Ugni Blanc) to the immediate pressing of the grapes to ensure low-pressure extraction of high-quality must, the freshly squeezed grape juice awaiting to be turned into wine and which may still have seeds and skins. Both seeds and skins are removed quickly to avoid a bitter taste.

© Charentes Tourisme

In addition to Cognac, the area also produces the delicious Pineau des Charentes, mainly created by smaller family-owned establishments. The Pineau is a fortified wine made by blending a ratio of three-quarters freshly pressed grape juice mixed with one-quarter of cognac eau-de-vie from the previous year. This ratio creates a Pineau at 62 degrees Celsius, then aged in French oak barrels for varying lengths of time. The process differs to produce white, rosé or red Pineau. Pineau houses invite visitors to learn about making this very special drink and offer tastings and other experiences.

While visiting the town of Cognac, be sure to check out the upscale La Nauve Hôtel et Jardin, the third property in the family-owned Almae Collection and a member of Relais & Châteaux. Opened in 2023 near the center of Cognac, the boutique hotel offers 12 spacious suites situated along the Charente River. The hotel is set within a restored belle-époque estate, featuring 12 acres of gardens and the fine-dining restaurant Notes, as well as Brasserie des Flâneurs. Coincidently, the hotel is on the site of what was once a Cognac distillery, and offers a collection of more than 70 bottles of Cognac to enjoy at the hotel bar.

Angoulême © OPTA – dg

Among the charming small cities and towns in proximity to Cognac is historic Angoulême, just 30 minutes from Cognac, and both destinations enjoy the presence of the beautiful Charente River. Angoulême was declared a UNESCO Creative City in 2019 and has eye-popping street art, colorful murals and painted facades throughout the city’s Old Quarter.