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Wines of the World: Cognac Region, France

Updated: Oct 6

Collage: vineyard at sunset, chateau with people walking, lush green field, distillery setup. Text: France's Finest Vines, Cognac Region.

Our journey through the French Winelands continued as we headed south of the Loire Valley to try the charming wines & spirits of the Cognac Region, home to one of the world's finest & best-known types of brandy – Cognac.


Map showing a route from Parnay to Cognac in France, marked by a dotted line. Text Loire Valley to Cognac.

We spent our gorgeous sunny summer days amidst the lush landscapes of Val des Vignes (literally “Valley of the Vines”) – a serene paradise celebrating the roots of Cognac production dating back centuries.


Three vineyard scenes with lush grapevines under vibrant skies. Text: WineTots and Val des Vignes, evoking a serene, picturesque mood.

We stayed at a rustic Airbnb tastefully renovated (dating back to around 500 years ago when it housed a working Cognac distillery) & managed by Juliette that serves as the main accommodation in this small village situated on the edge of the town.


Three photos feature wine bottles, one with a Sancerre label, and a pool float unicorn. In the background, a garden party setting is visible. Photos take place at an Airbnb in Val des Vignes

Endless views out to the verdant vines surrounding the town... leaving us overflowing with inspiration! See if you can get lucky enough to find it available on Airbnb for you next summer trip... the perfect place for a group to just relax at the pool, take sunset vine strolls, play boules and dine el fresco while sipping local French Bordeaux wine.


Outdoor dining scene with plates of shrimp, mussels, and bread. Bottles of wine, glasses, and greenery on a wooden table. Casual gathering.

We also all enjoyed celebrating my sister's 50th with a stunning pool party, popping a magnum bubbly from Champagne Lanson; and a blind tasting of wines from across France, including Burgundy, Rhone, Loire & the greater Bordeaux region.

 

Four women in sun hats smiling in a vineyard. Bright flowers in foreground. "Family Fun" text with wine logo. Sunny day, clear sky.

Le Maine Giraud

A short drive from our Airbnb was Le Maine Giraud, former residence of French poet Alfred de Vigny, and home to a quaint cognac distillery producing some of the finest Eau de vie in the region.


Museum interior with visitors in a historic room with framed photos. Display case with bottles and books. Narrow staircase in stone hallway. Warm lighting.

The family-owned estate, dating back to the 15th century, carries with it both historical significance and a deep connection to French literary & cultural heritage, honouring the legacy of de Vigny with a distillery partially converted into a museum of his life’s work.


People walking towards a stone building with a sign reading "Bienvenue au Maine Giraud." Sunny day, clear blue sky.

Explore ancient cellars and discover the centuries-old copper stills used to craft this distinguished brandy. Unearth the flavours and stories of the Cognac region with their informative & comprehensive tour from vineyard to cellar, showcasing the intricate age-old distillation process that makes their Cognac so special.

 

Cognac bottles on a wood slice, wine tasting setup, view of a courtyard through a window, and people tasting at Le Maine Giraud.

Colourful Cognac tastings include their delicious Pineau de Charentes a vin de liqueur (similar to an aged South African dessert wine). You will certainly be walking away with a bottle or two to treasure!


Three images of a cognac distillery: bottles on a counter, a group touring a hallway, and metal distillation pipes, with "Cognac Distillation" text.

Keen for a little adventure in the area? Then visit their fantastic, free outdoor activity area in Chateauneuf-sur-Charente along the Charente river perfect for families of all ages, with Cognac tasting, volleyball, slides, a mini beach and more...


Wine bottle and glass on grass, people swimming in a river, sunny day, lush trees in the background, relaxed atmosphere.

We enjoyed sipping a glass of local Colombelle white wine (a blend of Colombard & Ugni Blanc) while resting on the banks of the Charente and taking turns SUPing down the river.


Stay tuned for the final leg of our fabulous French wine journey as we wine our way through the renowned Bordeaux region!

 

Train station with "Saint-Aigulin La Roche-Chalais" sign, a vineyard seen through a window, suitcase on platform near train with "Nouvelle-Aquitaine" text.

*Please note: all information is correct at the date of publication, 2024. See websites below for up-to-date info!


Contact Me – Hilary - at hello@winetots.com for more details on your favourite Wineland spots to visit & to book a personalised tour of your own – behind the scenic routes of the Plett & Cape Winelands & beyond!


Old stone building with lush greenery, pool with floaties under sunset, and outdoor table with books and plants under vines. Relaxed ambiance.
Our Stunning Airbnb in Val des Vignes

Please register on www.winetots.com to stay up to date with new discoveries and ideas for Wineland adventures!


Click here to check out part 1 of our journey “France’s Finest Vines: the Loire Valley”!



Important info:


Le Maine Giraud: https://www.mainegiraud.com/ ; 05 45 64 04 49

Operating Hours: Mon-Sat 9am - 12pm and 2pm - 6pm

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