Cognac wine tour and tastings: private vineyard experience
Enjoy a private Cognac wine tour and tastings. Visit vineyards and a cooperage. Wine tour with guide, transport included. Year-round experience.
A Cognac wine tour and tastings offers a full-day private visit through one of the most renowned wine-growing regions in western France. This experience takes place in the Charente area, starting from the town of Cognac or Angoulême. It combines local traditions, historic craftsmanship, and the tasting of a prestigious spirit.
You will be accompanied by a professional guide, who will lead you through vineyards, a working cooperage, and two family-owned estates. Each stop provides insights into the production of cognac, from oak barrel-making to distillation and aging.
This wine tour is available for 1 to 4 people and includes private vehicle transfers, site visits, and tastings. The experience is suitable for individuals or small groups seeking a comprehensive visit without logistical concerns. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or curious about local culture, this full-day activity offers direct access to the people and places that shape the Cognac region.
Prices start from €390 (approx. £335 / $425) for up to four participants, transport included. The Cognac wine tour and tastings run throughout the year, except February and March.
Where and When
Location
The tour takes place in the Cognac vineyard area, in the Charente department, Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. It begins either in Cognac or Angoulême. The main visits occur in the Grande Champagne cru, considered the heart of the Cognac production area.
Distances:
- Cognac to Segonzac: 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Cognac to Angoulême: 45 km (28 mi)
Dates and Schedule
The experience is available all year, excluding February and March.
- Start time: 09:00
- End time: 18:30
The cooperage visit is replaced in August, as the site is closed.
The experience
Full-day guided wine tour
The Cognac wine tour and tastings start with a pickup in a comfortable private vehicle. Your guide drives throughout the day, allowing you to enjoy the landscape and tastings safely. The route includes vineyard roads, small villages, and stops at key production sites.
Visit to a traditional cooperage
Your first stop is a working cooperage (except in August), where skilled artisans shape barrels from oak. These barrels are essential for the aging process of cognac, as wood influences aroma and flavor. You will learn about barrel construction and its role in spirit production.
Exploring the village of Segonzac
Next, the tour stops in Segonzac, located in the Grande Champagne area, known for producing high-quality eaux-de-vie. The village reflects the character of the region, with its stone houses and vineyard surroundings.
Tasting at two cognac estates
The highlight of the Cognac wine tour and tastings includes two visits to local producers. You will:
- Tour the cellars and distillation rooms
- Taste a range of cognacs and local products
- Meet producers and understand each stage of production
The guide provides explanations throughout, translating technical details into accessible information.
Return and end of day
After the second tasting, the guide drives you back to the initial departure point. The day ends around 18:30.
The vehicle
Transport is included with a private car suited for 1 to 4 guests. The vehicle is equipped for comfort and allows for direct access to all locations.
Distances covered during the day vary from 10 to 50 km (6 to 31 mi). Some short walks are included at the sites.
Having a driver also means no worries about alcohol consumption during the wine tour.
Benefits of the experience
A Cognac wine tour and tastings offers several practical and cultural advantages:
- Private access to producers in a small group format.
- Comfortable and safe travel, with a dedicated driver.
- Better understanding of cognac production techniques, from vine to glass.
- Direct contact with artisans and growers.
- No need for planning — the itinerary is managed by a local expert.
- Possibility to taste without limitation, as driving is handled.
- Opportunity to purchase cognac directly from producers.
- Flexibility: alternative pickups in Angoulême on request.
This wine tour balances technical insight with informal discussion, making it accessible to both beginners and connoisseurs.
Conditions and restrictions
- Minimum age: 18 years for tastings
- Lunch not included in the tour price
- Cooperage visit not available in August (alternative visit provided)
- Comfortable clothing and walking shoes recommended
- Available all year except February and March
- Departure and return from Cognac or Angoulême
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