The Charentes region is home to one of the world’s finest spirits, Cognac; and now invites travellers to experience it as never before. Not just by sipping, but by savoring it alongside the region’s finest food. Explore Cognac offers a new way to discover the rich heritage, craftsmanship and flavor diversity of Cognac through exceptional food pairings and culinary experiences. Whether it’s through freshly shucked oysters or the earthy richness of artisan chocolate, every ingredient in the region finds its perfect match in Cognac. From Michelin-starred dining to oyster hut tastings by the sea, this is a gourmet playground for connoisseurs who want to understand Cognac not just as a drink, but as an experience.
Cognac at the Table
In the birthplace of the iconic spirit, Cognac becomes more than an apéritif, it’s a central part of the dining experience. Travellers can enjoy unforgettable pairing sessions across the region. At the House of Delamain in Jarnac, visitors can indulge in a private cellar dinner where each course is thoughtfully paired with a different Cognac. The Opulence Revealed workshop by Rémy Martin offers an elegant experience, teaching guests how to match Cognac with dried fruits, cheese, pastries, and charcuterie. Seafood lovers can discover a surprising but exquisite pairing at an oyster hut near Île d'Oléron, where the sommelier Oriane Chambon presents Cognac alongside fresh Marennes-Oléron oysters.
From Distilleries to the Table
In the Charentes, the spirit’s deep connection to the land and its produce is celebrated through curated experiences that allow travellers to taste their way through terroir. Visitors can learn to prepare regional appetisers at Maison Hine, then sample the creations with carefully selected Cognacs, or take part in a cooking workshop at Domaine de Pladuc, where recipes like crispy samosas are followed by guided Cognac tastings. For something a little different, travellers can discover the refined acidity of local vinegars at Baume de Bouteville. Here the vinegar is aged in cognac casks and tastings are paired with regional produce such as cheese and charcuterie.
Michelin Moments & Gourmet Cruises
The region boasts nine Michelin-starred restaurants, where chefs creatively incorporate Cognac into sauces, glazes and desserts and offer thoughtfully designed pairings. La Ribaudière in Bourg-Charente delivers a refined take on traditional Charentais cuisine, often paired with exceptional Cognacs. Les Foudres at Hotel Chais Monnet elevates local ingredients with bold techniques and Cognac-infused flair. For a more leisurely tasting journey, a gourmet river cruise from Jarnac aboard the Béthanie blends bucolic views of the Charente with fine platters of cheese, cured meats, local wine, Pineau des Charentes, and of course, Cognac.
Sweet Endings
For dessert lovers, Cognac's pairing potential extends into the world of chocolate. Local houses such as Raison Personnelle near Cognac and Normandin Mercier near La Rochelle offer chocolate and Cognac tastings, revealing how the spirit’s floral, spicy or woody notes can be enhanced by artisanal confections.
From cellar dinners to cooking classes, Cognac is the thread that ties every flavor of the Charentes region together. For the gourmet traveler, Explore Cognac is a celebration of terroir, tradition, and the timeless elegance of France’s most distinguished spirit.
For more information about Explore Cognac, please visit explore-cognac.com.
