Cognac tours

The Cognac region of France is almost as famous for its stories as its brandies. From Napoleon onwards, it has traded on celebrity endorsements and famous drinkers. The region was saved from ruin in the late 1990s by US by rap stars such as P-Diddy and Jay-Z “bigging up” brandy in general and some cognacs in particular.

Earlier this year Cognac story-telling gets another boost, as Remy Martin launches its Fine Champagne Cognac Club. As well as collecting and retelling some of the best legends from the Cognac region, the club will allow visitors to get to know the house, history and cellars of Remy Martin, with various tours and tutored tastings.

Large group tours start from just £8 for an estate visit and a limited tasting, or £15 for a longer tour of the house and private cellars. The Club also organises bespoke packages, including a £275 Louis XIII Experience—an altogether more upmarket affair including the chance to sample Remy’s top-of-the-range cognacs. There is also a guesthouse on the estate, for those too overcome by the experience to get themselves home.