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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Bordeaux departure
Meet your guide and drive to Cognac
Meet your guide and drive to Cognac
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Distillery
Morning visit & tasting in a distillery of Cognac
Morning visit & tasting in a distillery of Cognac
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Cognac
Free time for personal discovery and lunch (at own expense) in the town of Cognac
Free time for personal discovery and lunch (at own expense) in the town of Cognac
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Distillery
Afternoon visit & tasting in a distillery of Cognac
Afternoon visit & tasting in a distillery of Cognac
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Return to Bordeaux
Tour returns to original departure point
Tour returns to original departure point
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Informations
Languages spoken
EnglishEspañolFrançaisItaliano
Know before you book
2 persons minimum - total price
2 participants minimum
Price per person
3 participants
Price per person
4 participants
Price per person
5 participants
Price per person
6 participants
Price per person
7 participants
Price per person
8 participants
900€
330€
270€
235€
210€
195€
180€
Included
Hotel pick up from Bordeaux or surrounding area.
Enjoy live commentaries from your expert guide.
Pre-booked visits to 2 Cognac Houses.
Travel in recent, comfortable and fully equipped minivans.
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
Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers in the group?
Yes. While the tasting experience is central to the tour, non-drinkers are very welcome. Distillery visits are fascinating from a historical, architectural and sensory perspective regardless of whether you taste. Please let us know in advance and the guide will ensure everyone in the group has an enjoyable experience.
Is lunch included in the tour?
Lunch is not included in the base price, but your guide can recommend excellent local restaurants in and around Cognac town, and arrangements can be made in advance on request. The Charente region has a wonderful food culture, and combining a distillery visit with a leisurely lunch is very much part of the local experience.
Can I buy bottles directly at the distillery?
Yes — most distilleries have an on-site boutique where you can purchase bottles, including exclusive or limited editions that are not widely available elsewhere. This is a great opportunity to bring home something truly special.
How many Cognacs will we taste?
Tastings typically include several expressions — usually covering VS, VSOP and XO categories — allowing you to explore how age and blending style shape the final spirit. Some distilleries may also offer the opportunity to taste rare or single-estate expressions not available in retail.
Is this tour suitable for people who are not spirits experts?
Absolutely. No prior knowledge of Cognac or spirits is needed. Your private guide will explain everything from the vineyard and the distillation process to the art of blending and ageing, in a relaxed and engaging way. The experience is designed to be equally enjoyable for curious beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alik
Which distilleries will we visit?
The tour typically includes a private visit to one or two carefully selected distilleries, which may range from iconic Cognac houses to smaller artisan producers. The selection can be tailored to your interests — whether you prefer a grand maison experience, a family-run craft distillery, or a combination of both. Please mention any preferences at the time of booking.
How far is Cognac from Bordeaux and how long is the journey?
Cognac is approximately 120 km northeast of Bordeaux, roughly a 1.5 hour drive depending on traffic. All transport is included in your private tour — your driver-guide will collect you from central Bordeaux and return you at the end of the day, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation or parking.