The Cognac route from Arvert: vineyards, cellars and tastings

The Arvert peninsula is rarely associated with the Cognac vineyard — and yet the appellation's area reaches all the way here. The coastal zone around Arvert and the Seudre estuary falls within the Bois Ordinaires cru (also called Bois à Terroirs), the closest to the ocean among the appellation's six crus.

The Bois Ordinaires cru

Unlike the great crus at the heart of Charente — Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies — the Bois Ordinaires cru covers the land closest to the sea, including the islands of Oléron and Ré. The eaux-de-vie produced there are said to mature faster, with aromas shaped by the sea air. A few vineyards remain on the peninsula and nearby, worth discovering more for the landscape than for any major trading house.

The town of Cognac (about 1 h 15)

Further inland, the town of Cognac remains the essential stop for understanding the appellation: centuries-old cellars, guided tours at the great houses (Hennessy, Rémy Martin, Camus, Otard housed in the Château de Cognac), and a historic centre built on the eau-de-vie trade since the 17th century.

Jarnac

A few kilometres from Cognac, Jarnac is the birthplace of the Courvoisier house and the hometown of François Mitterrand. The smaller, quieter town is worth visiting alongside a day on the Cognac route.

Planning the visit

Most of the great houses offer tours by reservation, with a tasting at the end — plan for a designated non-tasting driver for the way back. Allow half a day for a cellar tour with tasting, a full day to combine Cognac and Jarnac.

Frequently asked questions

Is Arvert part of the Cognac appellation?
Yes, the peninsula sits within the Bois Ordinaires cru, the most coastal of the appellation's six crus.

How long does it take to get to Cognac from Arvert?
About one hour fifteen by car.

Do you need to book cellar tours?
It's recommended, especially in July-August at the great houses, where slots fill up quickly.