Let me start by introducing our new lodger, Don Vito.

Vito for friends, is named after Don Vito Corleone from the Godfather, my favorite movie.

We hesitated if we should take a second chateau-dog. So, what did we do?

We went to see a litter of puppies; just to see of course.

But Don Vito made us an offer we couldn’t refuse and there you have it.

From now on, when you tour with us, you will be welcomed by two Jack Russells.

We are currently experiencing a heatwave here in France which is a bit challenging for the athletes currently competing for Olympic medals.

In Bordeaux at our chateau, we alternate between the pool and the air conditioning while taking it easy.

Cognac not far from Bordeaux

Why not add a couple of days in Cognac before or after a Bordeaux Wine Tour?

Many of our guests like to enjoy a little extension in the region and Cognac may be a great suggestion.

Therefore, today I have shifted my focus from Bordeaux to Cognac for once.

Well actually for twice as I have more to tell in my next edition of this magazine.

This famous region is an hour and a halves’ drive from Bordeaux and merits to be visited.

Margaret and I went to scout out the region for you.

And I will tell you about these great brandies.

Plus our suggestions where to stay and where to have a great dining experience.

2025 Bordeaux Wine Tour Program

You can still join us in Bordeaux in 2025.

We have a couple of single rooms for the Bordeaux Grand Cru Harvest Tours in September 2025.

Last rooms for May 2025
And we have a few last rooms for the Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour in May 2025.

Want to see an itinerary? Just click here and we will send it to you as soon as possible.

Still hesitating?
Just read what Steve and Amanda wrote after their second tour with us:

“Once again, an amazing experience! Beautiful wines and fabulous food. Fun people to enjoy wine together.
We appreciate your enthusiasm and energy that you put in each visit.
The dinners, lunches and wines were exceptional.
We appreciate your friendship. The memories will remain with us forever. Thank you for a great week!
Until we meet again!”

Discovering the Cognac region
The Cognac region, nestled in the southwestern part of France, is synonymous with the world-renowned spirit that bears its name.

Known for its rich history, exquisite landscapes, and unparalleled craftsmanship, Cognac offers a lot for visitors.

I will tell you about some of the key aspects that make the Cognac region such an interesting destination for lovers of fine spirits and French culture.

And it’s and it’s only an hour and a half from Bordeaux.

Terroir and a Dutch touch

The history of Cognac dates back to the 16th century.

Back then the Dutch traders discovered the process of distilling wine into a more stable and transportable spirit.

Named after the town of Cognac, the region is geographically defined by its unique terroir which includes the Charente River, rolling hills, and a temperate maritime climate.

These natural factors, combined with the region’s chalky soil, are crucial in producing the high-quality grapes necessary for crafting Cognac.

The distillation process:
Crafting Excellence
Cognac production is a meticulous process governed by strict regulations to maintain its quality and authenticity.

The region is divided into six crus, or growing areas, each contributing distinct characteristics to the final product.

The most prestigious of these are Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne, known for producing Cognacs with exceptional aging potential.
(Nothing to do with the sparkling wine with the same name).

Distilled twice
The process begins with the distillation of white wine made primarily from the Ugni Blanc grape.

This wine undergoes double distillation in copper pot stills, resulting in a high-proof spirit called “eau-de-vie,” or water of life). This clear spirit is then aged in oak barrels, where it develops its complex flavors and will extract to color, we tend to call, well Cognac of course….

The aging process, which must last at least two years by law, is critical in defining the quality and character of the Cognac.

The Art of Blending and Ageing
One of the unique aspects of Cognac production is the art of blending.

Unlike whisky or wine, Cognac is often a blend of eaux-de-vie of various ages and crus.

Cellar master like a Michelin chef
This blending is done by the cellar master, a role that requires a refined palate and deep knowledge of the spirit’s evolution.

The cellar master creates a harmonious and consistent flavor profile, ensuring each bottle reflects the house style.

Ageing, a defining factor
The ageing process is another defining factor, with some Cognacs maturing for decades and sometimes centuries, as we will see next time. The spirit’s time in oak barrels allows it to absorb tannins and develop rich, nuanced flavors ranging from vanilla and caramel to dried fruit and spices.

The longer the ageing, the more complex and refined the Cognac.

The usual classification starts at VS (Very Special), VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale), to the best: XO (Extra Old).

Visiting the Cognac Region
Many of the famous Cognac houses, such as Hennessy, Rémy Martin, and Martell, offer guided tours of their distilleries and cellars.  This will proved a good insight into the production process and offers the opportunity to sample rare and exclusive blends.

You will need to make an appointment first through their websites.

Next time, my personal favorite
Margaret and I went to my favorite Cognac: Tesseron.

This house is not world-famous but in my opinion the best in Cognac.

Tesseron is open to visitors, but you will have to make an appointment in advance. Don’t expect laid out gardens with fountains or guides in uniforms.

What you can expect is an enlightening visit with someone who knows what he is talking about.

And you will be able to see things that you will never forget.

The visit can be done in English but with a strong French accent…

Next time I will tell you all about Tesseron Cognac and you will understand why, for me, this is the most special of all Cognacs.

Where to stay?
I mostly agree with the English writer Oscar Wilde: “I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.”

If you want the best place to stay, the choice is easy: the five star Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa.

The location in Cognac couldn’t be better: walking distance from the city center and some of the famous houses like Martell and Hennessy.

Where the hell?
To be quite honest, standing in front of the entrance of the hotel, I was a bit underwhelmed at first.

The American couple arriving at the same time as we had the same experience, as I overheard the wife say to the husband: “Where the hell did you take me?”

Like with a great Cognac, patience is rewarded. Because as soon as you enter the hotel there is but one word that springs to mind: WOW!

I have seldom stayed in a hotel where so much is right. The attention to details is impressive everywhere you go, everywhere you look.

The hotel offers a Michelin starred restaurant and a spa. Of course, we test-drove both; the sacrifices we make for you…

Restaurant Les Foudres
I always appreciate when a hotel offers fine dining on the premises to escape driving back.

Therefore, we had booked a table in advance in Les Foudres, the Michelin starred restaurant.

The restaurant is well hidden, and we got lost a couple of times within all the corridors.

Fortunately, there is friendly and attentive staff everywhere to help you.

Les Foudres literally means the vats.

The dining room looks somewhat like a cellar, and they call this room “the cathedral”.

Don’t worry, the only worshiping done here is of the epicurean kind.

Margaret and I decided on the chef’s tasting menu.

The wine list was enticing with a good selection of Bordeaux wines, including even Mouton and Lafite.

Of course, the list included Burgundy and Côtes du Rhône, but you could also choose South African, Italian, Australian or New Zealand wines.

Something you will not easily find in a restaurant in France.

Surprisingly, for a Michelin starred restaurant they offer a decent selection of affordable wines as well.

The Cotes de Bergerac for € 45 or even a Bergerac for € 35 a bottle were more than reasonable.

A nice surprise if you do not want to break the bank in a Michelin starred restaurant.

Bordeaux, we drink at home all the time, so we went for the wine pairing suggestion.

A true dining experience
Chef Mathis Debize is a promising addition to any 5-star hotel.

As soon we were at our table, he surprised us with three little amuse bouches with a Japanese signature.
It went very well with the Bollinger, our favorite Champagne.

Our first dish was a beautiful flower of kohlrabi in a surprisingly fresh green sauce. It was followed by roasted asparagus in a sauce of Cognac and coffee.

The coffee and Cognac sauce unfortunately fought a losing battle with the nice and crisp Chardonnay that was served with it.

New menu
Our waiter explained that this was the first night with the new menu and that the restaurant was open to our suggestions.

No suggestions from our side were needed as we truly enjoyed this feast.

The guinea fowl with Jerusalem artichoke and celery root, prepared with some tonka bean was simply delicious.

Our sommelier’s choice of a young Saint Joseph 2021 from the Rhône (100% Shirah) turned out to be a perfect match.
The excellent pigeon was successfully combined with Treviso salad with juniper, red berries and a variation of beets.

The pairing with a Bordeaux was nice. But living in Bordeaux we are spoiled.

The Puisseguin Saint Emilion 2014 was a bit rustic to out tastes.

Spectacle and highlight
The pre-dessert was as much a spectacle as a culinarily delight.

The Madagascar Vanilla was prepared right in front of us in liquid nitrogen. 

The crispy chocolate dessert with fleur de sel, soft praline biscuit and mustard seed ice-cream combined surprisingly well with the Hungarian Tokay.

Personally, I would never have combined chocolate with a Tokay.

Speaking about this choice with the sommelier, he explained that it actually were the mustard seeds that made it work with the chocolate.

Indeed, it was an amazing, if daring match.

Of course, the restaurant offered an extensive selection of Cognacs to finish off your meal.

We let this tempting opportunity pass as we had exceeded our limit by then after all the wines and a few Cognac tastings earlier that day.

A hotel and restaurant worth discovering!

This is definitely one of the most exclusive tours that we offer. Embark on the Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour, an experience that exudes opulence in every aspect, from exquisite cuisine to exceptional wines.

Indulge in chateau-meals that transcend ordinary dining, offering an exclusive and luxurious culinary journey.

The gastronomic delights are nothing short of extraordinary, featuring exclusive meals set in remarkable venues typically inaccessible to the public.

Immerse yourself in a world of culinary opulence, where each bite is a testament to the artistry of Bordeaux’s culinary tradition.

As if that weren’t enough, the tour presents a rare opportunity to taste all five First Growths of over 20 years old, plus the Superior First Growth Chateau d’Yquem of over 30 years old!

The combination of exclusive dining, exceptional wines, and the opportunity to savor aged vintages makes this tour a cherished and unforgettable journey for those seeking the epitome of Bordeaux’s culinary and oenophilic excellence.

What makes it even more special is the inclusion of older vintages, adding a unique dimension to the wine-tasting experience.

It’s no wonder that the Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour has earned its status as a beloved favorite.

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Harvest Tour
Behold one of our most exclusive tours, a wine lover’s dream come true in the heart of Bordeaux.

This ultimate wine tour promises an unparalleled experience, setting the bar for perfection.

The pinnacle of excitement in Bordeaux unfolds during harvest time, a period where anticipation permeates the air, and the vineyards come alive with energy.

Prepare to be amazed as you savor the exquisite taste of all five First Growths of over 20 years old plus the distinguished Superior First Growth Chateau d’Yquem of over 30 years old! 

The tour doesn’t stop there; it extends to include the best offerings from Saint Emilion and Pomerol, featuring many older vintages.

Elevating the experience further are the outstanding meals meticulously curated at exceptional venues rarely accessible to the public.

It’s this combination of extraordinary tastings and exclusive gastronomic adventures that places this tour in such high demand, creating an irresistible allure for Bordeaux enthusiasts seeking the epitome of wine, culinary excellence, and the unique charm of harvest season.

It’s no surprise that the Bordeaux Grand Cru Harvest Tour has become a cherished favorite.