The second visit takes you to a smaller, family-run distillery, offering a more intimate and traditional perspective on Cognac production. Here, you'll discover the artisanal techniques and personal philosophy that distinguish a boutique producer from a grand maison — and taste Cognacs of remarkable character rarely found outside the region.
At both stops, your guide explains the key stages of production: grape harvesting, fermentation, double distillation in copper pot stills (alambic charentais), and ageing in Limousin oak barrels — the combination that gives Cognac its unique complexity and depth.
Explore the Town of Cognac
Between visits, enjoy free time to explore the charming historic town of Cognac at your own pace — stroll the old quarter, admire the medieval château, or enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (at own expense). For an elevated experience, a special dining option at one of the prestigious Cognac Houses can be arranged.
The Cognac Region – Six Crus & Ugni Blanc
The Cognac appellation is divided into six production zones, each named for its soil type and ranked by the finesse of the eaux-de-vie it produces: Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bon Bois, and Bois Ordinaires. A blend of Grande and Petite Champagne Cognacs — with at least 50% from Grande Champagne — may be labelled "Fine Champagne", one of the appellation's most prestigious designations.
The primary grape variety is Ugni Blanc (known as Trebbiano in Italy), valued for its high acidity and neutral flavour profile — ideal for producing the thin, dry base wine that undergoes double distillation. Your guide will explain these production rules and how the choice of cru, grape, and oak influences the final character of each Cognac.
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Meet your Guide at your Accommodation in Bordeaux
Visit and tasting session in the 1st Cognac Distillery
Free time for lunch in the town of Cognac (at own expense)
Visit and tasting at the 2nd Cognac Distillery
Drop off at your accommodation in Bordeaux
Informations
Languages spoken
EnglishEspañolFrançaisItaliano
Know before you book
Important information concerning distillery tours in France: We carefully select the distilleries visited during our tours, but the number of glasses/pours you’ll taste is set by each estate and varies by region, price and quality.
Please also note: In France, snacks are usually not provided during tastings to preserve the purity of the flavor. We recommend having a good breakfast or lunch beforehand.
In regards to the protection of the environment, we will no longer provide plastic bottles of water during our tours. You are kindly advised to bring your own. Water and refills are available at the wineries, museums and attractions visited.
Planning Your Cognac Escape:
Year-round adventure: Explore Cognac any time (except Dec 25th & Jan 1st).
9-hour private tour: Relax and enjoy an in-depth Cognac & history experience.
Comfortable exploration: Wear comfortable shoes for some walking.
Languages: Tours are conducted in English, with other languages available upon request.
Group size: Explore with 2-8 guests (larger groups, contact us).
Accessibility: This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Pricing Information (2 – 8 Persons)
Base 2
Base 3
Base 4
Base 5
Base 6
Base 7
Base 8
450€
330€
270€
235€
210€
195€
180€
*Prices shown are per person.
Included
Pre-booking for visits of 2 selected Cognac Distilleries
We will come and pick you up at Train Station, Hotel or Airbnb in Bordeaux or surrounding area, circle of 30 kms (20 miles) around Bordeaux at no extra cost.
Return
Tour returns to original departure point.
Reviews
5.0/5
(2 reviews)
All
TripAdvisor
Viator
5
Greta K15, Jun 2021My boyfriend has always wanted to go to Cognac to experience house of Cognac, to see how they produce Cognac. So for his 30th birthday, I wanted to give him this experience. I searched online, and I found Ophorus. I sent an email and asked for a lift to Cognac and 2 visits in House of Cognac.
This is what I got:
We were picked up at our hotel in Bordeaux and driven to Cognac in a minivan with air condition. The driver, our English speaking guide, seemed to me to be a walking encyclopedia. She knew everything! So nice and so easy for us to understand. She told us about History of France, places we drove through, buildings we saw, everything. It didn't matter what we asked, she knew. Amazing!
First she took us to Hennessy where we got a private guiding tour with cognac tasting. What a place and what an experience - wonderful!!! Then she took us to a park near by where we had lunch in this wonderful restaurant. Our guide order for us, she translated everything, she did everything for us.
After lunch we drove to Remy Martin where we entered a bigger group for guiding tour. Remy Martin has to be a must for everyone who wants to see Cognac production. We had cognac tasting here as well, and our guide helped us and followed us, so if we didn't understand everything, she was there to translate and explain. We went back to Bordeaux same day, after a overwhelming experience - Once in a lifetime Experience. Best service ever.
5
WI_Gypsy_Pair23, May 2021Do not hesitate to book a wine and cognac tour! First rate service and our guide was amazing.
Quick answers
What is difference between Cognac and Brandy?
In the same sense that Scotch is a type of whisky, cognac is a specific type of brandy that’s made in accordance with strict regulations.
What is Cognac made of?
In order to qualify as cognac, the brandy must be produced using white grapes from one of six different terroirs in the Cognac region of Southwest France. The juice must be double-distilled in a copper pot still and aged in French oak barrels for a minimum of two years.
Where does the name Cognac come from?
Cognac is the name of a small French town located in southwestern France. Here, local winemakers have been distilling wines since the 16th century. The spirit (Brandy) was then simply referred to by the name of the town where it was produced - Cognac.
What type of vehicles are used during your Bordeaux private tours?
Our company uses only premium cars & minivans that are recent, comfortable and fully equipped including individual A/C, shaded windows and large leg space.
Who conducts your private tours from Bordeaux?
We only employ accredited and licensed tour guides that are also the drivers for all tours that need visits to be conducted by certified guides. Good examples are: the visit of museums, guided walking tours in cities, visit of historical monuments and so on.
In some regions, where wine tours prevail (Bordeaux, Alsace, Burgundy) the tours are conducted by professional local guides or sommeliers, that are experts in Wines. On this particular tour, we will include the services of one of our guides, expert in Cognac.
Are the Cognac Houses Tours private on this Day Trip from Bordeaux?
This all depends on the tour that you have chosen. For the introductory tours, these are usually grouped tours but in general the numbers remain low as the Cognac Houses privatize larger group tours. In that case you might follow the tour with other guests.
On the more exclusive tours, the visits and the tastings will be for you and your party only.
What can we expect on this private Cognac Tour from Bordeaux?
On our Cognac private tour you can expect to be in good hands with one of our English speaking local guide that is an expert in Cognac. Ask all the questions you always wanted to as you drive from Bordeaux to Cognac. If you are a novice and booked the tour as an introduction to Cognac, then listen to your guide as he explains during the driving time the origins of Cognac, how it is distilled and what to expect during the tasting sessions. All this is done safely thanks to our on-board P/A system that allows everyone to hear even if you are seated at the back.
Then, depending on the Cognac Houses you have booked, we will take you directly there where you will follow the tours & tastings. If you have not made any choices we will include the visit & tastings in two Cognac Houses for you. For lunch you will have some free time in the historical town of Cognac. Don't hesitate to ask your guide for some recommendations.
Is it possible to visit or choose some famous Cognac Houses on this Tour from Bordeaux?
Yes, absolutely. You will be able to choose one of our selected visits in the some of the most prestigious Cognac Houses during your booking process. From tours that will introduce you to Cognac to high-end luxury tastings, we have included visits to Hennessy, Martell, Meukow, Rémy Martin and Camus. If the Cognac House you wish to visit is not on this list, just let us know and our team of travel advisors will contact them directly to find out if it is possible to organize a visit for you and your party.
Is lunch included on this Private Tour from Bordeaux?
No, we never include lunch on our private tours. If you would like to include lunch then just let us know and our team of travel designers will be happy to select a local restaurant for you and make the necessary arrangements. It is also possible for you to ask your guide for suggestions in the morning, on the day of the tour.