Cognac is a destination that appeals not just to spirit enthusiasts but to anyone curious about the craftsmanship behind one of France’s most famous exports. What makes Cognac tours stand out? It’s the chance to see authentic producers, learn traditional methods, and taste rare, high-quality cognacs directly from the source. We’re especially fond of experiences like the Jarnac: Braastad Cognac Discovery Tour — a perfect blend of family history and hands-on tasting, or the Visit Citadelle Gin Distillery for those who prefer gin’s artisanal side. These tours reveal the passion, history, and skill behind each bottle in ways that larger, commercial houses often can’t match.
In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of Cognac tours—from in-depth visits behind castle walls to scenic walks, from food pairings to masterclasses. Whether you prefer a quick snapshot or a full-day immersion, there’s something here for every curious traveler.
Types of Tours in Cognac
Our list includes distillery visits, such as the family-run Braastad Cognac discovery tours, specialized tastings like the Prestige Tour and Cognac Tasting, and scenic experiences such as river walks and vintage car rides. For those eager to learn the secrets of cognac production, the Château de Cognac** tour offers a historical insight combined with tasting. If you’re into craft spirits beyond cognac, the Citadelle Gin Distillery provides a different perspective on artisanal distilling.
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of our top picks, covering what makes each unique, the experience offered, and who it’s best suited for.
1. Jarnac: Braastad Cognac Discovery Tour
At number 1, the Braastad Cognac Discovery Tour stands out for its intimate look into a family-run house that has been making cognac for six generations. This 1.5-hour guided tour includes visiting the production site, where you’ll learn each step from grape to glass, and concludes with a tasting of the three main cognac categories—VS, VSOP, and XO. The tour is rated 5/5 based on 88 reviews, many praising its authenticity and personable guide.
What makes this tour special is its focus on family history and craftsmanship, offering an unfiltered glimpse into traditional production methods. The tasting experience is included in the modest $18 fee, making it highly value-driven. Perfect for those who want a personalized, authentic introduction to cognac making with a friendly atmosphere. Expect to come away with a real appreciation for the process and the stories behind each bottle.
Bottom Line: This is ideal for travelers seeking a small-group, family-owned experience with a generous tasting. It’s an affordable, genuine way to understand Cognac’s roots.
2. Discovery tour Braastad Cognac
Number 2 on our list is another family-oriented tour at Braastad, offering a 1.5-hour deep dive into the process of making cognac. Priced at just $17.20, it includes a visit to their historic estate in Jarnac, where the Braastad family’s 6-generation legacy is on display. The tour covers history, distillation, aging, and includes a visit to the cabinet of curiosities—a collection of artifacts and old bottles, which adds a fascinating touch.
Guests consistently praise the guide Eric, describing him as knowledgeable, fun, and engaging. The tour’s highlight is the chance to see everything on site, including the bottling workshop, which is rare among similar experiences. The tasting of multiple cognac styles at the end makes this a comprehensive introduction for beginners and connoisseurs alike.
Bottom Line: If you’re after an authentic, on-site experience that covers the full production cycle with a personal touch, this tour offers excellent value and insight.
3. Visit Citadelle Gin Distillery
For those interested in artisanal spirits beyond cognac, the Citadelle Gin Distillery in Château de Bonbonnet takes the spotlight. This exclusive 1.5-hour tour introduces visitors to the world’s first artisanal gin, emphasizing the cathedral-style distillation process. You’ll explore the unique copper stills, learn about the botanicals used, and sample four different gins including the Original.
Rated 5/5 from 33 reviews, visitors love the insightful tour and the chance to taste premium gins crafted with care. The tour’s setting in an architecturally impressive distillery adds to the experience, and the Summer Garden makes for a charming tasting environment. It’s a perfect choice for spirits lovers wanting a different flavor profile from cognac.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a unique focus on gin craft, making it ideal for spirits enthusiasts or those looking for something a little different in the Cognac region.
4. Retro Road Trip / Méhari, 2CV & Burton in Rochefort, La Rochelle
Number 4 takes you beyond the usual tasting, with a vintage car adventure exploring the scenic Charente-Maritime coastline. Starting in Cognac, you can hop into a Méharí or a 2CV to discover the area’s charming villages, marshlands, and coastal sights. The experience lasts from 2 to 9 hours and is perfect for adventure-loving travelers who want a fun, memorable day.
Guests rave about the off-road circuits and the personalized routes like the Charas trail. With the option to download pre-made circuits, this is a flexible way to see the countryside in style. It’s suited for those who want a hands-on, active day with a dash of nostalgia.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers craving an outdoor, scenic experience that combines vintage charm with exploration; good for families and groups who want flexibility.
5. Au Coeur du Château – VSOP D’USSÉ & XO BARON OTARD
Number 5 features a visit to the Château de Cognac, home to Baron Otard Cognacs. This tour lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes and includes a walk through the historic château, with a focus on both history and production. The highlight is the guided tasting of VSOP and XO Gold—two of the house’s premium offerings.
A big draw is its location within city limits, making it accessible without long travel. The reviews highlight the professionalism of the guide and how the aromas and flavors of the cognacs left a lasting impression. For around $27.87, you get a well-rounded, educational experience in a beautiful setting with excellent tastings.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in history and premium cognac tastings in a convenient location. Best suited for travelers with a bit of time to spare in Cognac.
6. Prestige Tour and Cognac Tasting
Number 6 offers an intimate, in-depth visit to a family-run distillery, lasting about 1.5 hours. The Prestige Tour includes a visit to a unique distillery, an exploration of aging and blending, and a tasting of aged cognacs. Rated 5/5 with 17 reviews, many note the depth of knowledge and the personal approach of the guide.
This tour is priced at $41.54, reflecting its premium quality and the opportunity to learn all stages of cognac development while enjoying a variety of top-notch spirits. It’s ideal for spirits aficionados and those wanting a more exclusive experience.
Bottom Line: For a more luxurious, detailed cognac tour, this offers excellent value and a chance to taste rare cognacs from a family house.
7. 1 Hour Walk – The Gabarres River Route
Number 7 combines a scenic walk with a bit of history, focusing on the Gabarres river and the nearby vines and chateaux. The 1-hour electric scooter tour is a fun, eco-friendly way to discover the region’s riverbanks and surrounding countryside.
Rated 5/5 based on 9 reviews, visitors love the light, easy pace and the beautiful scenery. The tour is priced at $40.33, making it a cost-effective way to explore in a different way while enjoying Cognac’s natural beauty.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who prefer gentle, scenic activities with a focus on nature and local sights.
8. Cognac: Visit to a Producer and Food Pairing
Number 8 is a food-and-spirit pairing experience that combines tasting local cognacs with savory and sweet bites. With a duration of 1.5 hours and a price of $41, it’s perfect for those who want to combine spirits tasting with culinary delights.
Guests enjoy discovering how different cognacs complement various local foods, with some describing it as a sensory journey. This tour is especially good for food lovers or those who want a more interactive experience.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a culinary focus alongside cognac tasting—especially if you love pairing flavors.
9. Rémy Martin 300th Anniversary Tour
Number 9 celebrates 3 centuries of excellence at the Rémy Martin house. This 2-hour tour includes a guided journey through history, exploring cellars that hold centuries-old eaux-de-vie and concluding with tastings of VSOP and XO.
Rated 4.6/5 by 19 reviews, visitors praise the storytelling and historical context, making this a meaningful experience for history and spirits lovers. The tour is free, which adds incredible value, and includes gourmet appetizers to enhance the tasting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in luxury cognacs with a story to tell.
10. Rémy Martin Discover the Production Site by Train
Number 10 offers a relaxed journey aboard an electric train through Rémy Martin’s vineyards and production areas. The 1.5-hour experience includes a tour of the site, a gourmet tasting, and shopping opportunities.
Rated 4.6/5 from 15 reviews, it’s praised for its comfort and informative commentary. The train ride provides a unique vantage point of the landscape, adding a scenic touch to the educational tour.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a laid-back, scenic experience with insider insights into Rémy Martin’s production.
11. 2-Hour Walk – Castles and Vineyards
Number 11 takes you on an excursion through castles and vineyards, including visits to Maison Courvoisier and Château Marnier-Lapostolle. This 2-hour walk costs about $59 and offers a chance to explore historic sites and beautiful estates.
Rated 4.5/5, it’s suitable for history lovers and those eager to see regional architecture. Access to exceptional cellars and the Grand Marnier estate makes it a well-rounded cultural experience.
Bottom Line: Best for culture and history enthusiasts who want to combine sightseeing with spirits tastings.
12. Cognac vineyard tour with winemaker visit
Number 12 offers an immersive vineyard experience with a 4×4 tour crossing Charentais vineyards, followed by a personal meeting with a local winemaker. This 3-hour tour costs around $174.50 and is perfect for those wanting to understand the land and its people.
Rated 5/5 from just 2 reviews, it’s highly personalized, allowing you to see hidden viewpoints and learn techniques directly from the passionate producer. The tasting at the end completes this authentic experience.
Bottom Line: Designed for serious enthusiasts who want an in-depth, hands-on look at vineyard life and spirits production.
13. Private Tour of Cognac House in Segonzac with Tasting
Number 13 is a personalized experience at Maison Frapin, with a one-hour exclusive visit. It includes a guided tour of the vineyard, cellars, and a tasting of 3 cognacs.
Rated 5/5, the tour emphasizes family heritage and artisan methods. The small group setting allows for customized questions and deeper engagement.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking an intimate, tailored visit to a prestigious estate.
14. Tasting Bourgoin Cognac – The Real Winegrower’s Cognac
Number 14 offers a personalized tasting with Fédéric Bourgoin, a terroir-focused winemaker in organic conversion. This one-hour session costs $46.34 and includes tasting natural, unassembled cognacs.
Rated 5/5, visitors appreciate the passion and authenticity of the family’s approach, as well as the unique flavors of their spirits. It’s ideal for adventurous palates seeking small-batch, natural spirits.
Bottom Line: Best for culinary explorers interested in organic, terroir-driven cognacs with a story.
15. Masterclass Cognac
Finally, the Masterclass provides a 3-hour immersion into the world of cellar masters. Starting at Domaine Raymond BOSSIS, you’ll learn all about cognac aging, blending, and tasting 4 XO spirits from 40% to 56% alcohol.
Rated 5/5, this small-group tour is designed for those who want to master the craft. It’s a premium experience that ends with a full tasting of some of the best cognacs in the region.
Bottom Line: Ideal for spirits enthusiasts willing to invest in a top-tier, educational experience.
How to Choose the Perfect Cognac Tour
When deciding which experience suits you best, consider your budget, interests, and time constraints. If you’re after authentic family-run houses, Tours #1 and #2 offer excellent insight. For a luxury experience, the Prestige Tour provides deeper immersion. If you prefer scenic activities, the river walk or vintage car ride might be more your speed.
Book early, especially for popular tours like Rémy Martin’s or the Masterclass, to secure your spot. Also, consider the level of physical activity—some tours involve walking or driving, while others focus solely on tasting and storytelling.
Final Thoughts
Cognac offers a diverse range of tours that cater to spirits lovers, history buffs, adventure-seekers, and culinary travelers alike. Whether you choose the family-owned authenticity of Braastad, the prestige of Rémy Martin, or the scenic charm of river walks, each experience promises a unique peek into this fascinating region. Booking in advance and choosing the right tour for your interests will ensure a memorable, enriching journey into Cognac’s world.
