"Louis XIII and it's all on me, you just bought a shot" -…read moreRihanna "1738, ayy" - Fetty Wap I only visited the gift shop at Maison Rémy Martin since I only had 1 day in Cognac, most of which I spent at Maison Hennessy (super ultra recommended). If I had another day in Cognac, I would definitely try to do one of their tours. If you're a cognac lover, a trip to Cognac to see the origin of this delectable grape is a must. At the gift shop, you can get a mini bottle of Louis XIII, 50 cl, 650 euro. You should go hard and buy one. I probably would've bought it if it was carry-on bag compatible. Rémy Boys!

Did the Remy Martin distillery tour as an optional on a Uniworld cruise in September. I seriously…read morecan't say enough good things about it. Our guide, Thomas, was incredible. Super knowledgeable and passionate about telling the Remy Martin story. He was good about alerting those of us with mobility issues about any stairs that were coming up or anything too. We had the place all to ourselves too! There were no other groups going through that we had to fight for space with or anything. The property was spread out through a couple of locations and was absolutely beautiful. We got familiarized with all of the different stages of the cognac making and the backstory and the barrel room they use currently. The best part? The tasting! We had 3 tastings each paired with delicious food that Chloe kindly served us. The tasting room was beautiful too. I came home with a nice mini, TSA friendly bottle of Remy too. There are several cognac distilleries in the area but I can't encourage you enough to go to this one. It's beyond worth it. I've been on several brewery/distillery tours across the globe but this one was my favorite by far.

Wherever you turn in France, you are confronted by history, legends, and beautiful architecture…read more Here in Cognac, the eau de vie houses are even more interesting. This chateau was built as a fortress in the end of the 11th century to resist invasions from the English and Vikings. In 1494, King Francois ! was born here and he became a patron of Cognac bringing art and literature. Because of the thickness of the walls and the adjoining Charente River, it was recognized that this was a perfect place to make cognac because of the constant temperatures and ideal humidity. Baron Otard saved the property from destruction during the French Revolution. A visit includes the great halls, courtyards, cellars, staterooms, and vaults. What is interesting about visiting the different cognac houses is that they are all very different and informative. Make sure to make a reservation for a tour in the language you understand. The tour guides are first class and very knowledgeable not only about the history, but about the cognac making process. There are exhibits and demonstrations throughout the tour. Your lodging place may have a discount voucher. After your exploration of the chateau and the lessons in the different cognacs, you'll enjoy a tasting of the cognacs at the end. You'll be sure to buy a few bottles. This was our favorite Maison de Cognac!

The story of Hennessy Cognac is one of horticulture/botany, art, fashion, politics, advertising,…read morelegacy, world events, and luxury. The list goes on, but it's a lot more than that--especially Asian people getting flushed faces from enjoying this nectar of the gods on a normal weekday or at your cousin's wedding. I spent 1 day in Cognac, France, and most of it was at Maison Hennessy which was an amazing experience. You must absolutely do a tour/tasting. The gift shop brought "take my money" feelings because everything just looked beautiful. You will want to buy a bottle or two, so hopefully you have room in your check-luggage. The tour starts in the lobby where you're brought on a short boat tour across the river to 2 of their warehouses, one which is was converted into a historic exhibition of the cognac's creation, the other which has hundreds of old barrels holding the aging liquor. The coolest part was the well-protected demijohns holding elixir from the 1800s, which is used to make Hennessy Paradis. The tour ends with a tasting and you will just be happy. If you're a lover of fine cognac and drinker of Hennessy, a visit here should be on your bucket list!

Hennessy is the H in the luxury superconglomerate LVMH and that powerful and wealthy branding is…read moreapparent in every single part of the experience here. For 20 euros you walk step by step through the process (with a lot of expensive and well produced media, as well as a knowledgeable guide) and witness how the company used branding and innovative marketing to capture a worldwide market in days long before the internet existed to help you do just that. At the end of your tour you'll also be given a guided tasting of some cognac and an opportunity to buy some varieties not available elsewhere. Worth a visit if you're anywhere in the region.