LA ROCHELLE, FRANCE

The world’s best-known brandy comes from the peaceful countryside surrounding the Charente River. This slow-moving waterway, which King François I called the loveliest river in his kingdom, passes through a placid landscape of vineyards bathed by a clear and radiant light.

The world’s best-known brandy comes from the peaceful countryside surrounding the Charente River. This slow-moving waterway, which King François I called the loveliest river in his kingdom, passes through a placid landscape of vineyards bathed by a clear and radiant light. A 30 kilometre (20 mile) area called the ‘golden circle’ of cognac production encompasses Cognac and the second distilling town of Jarnac. Cognac, the medieval town that bears the name of the region, has been producing the fabled nectar since the 17th century. Cognac is a peaceful picturesque little town. We will notice that the microscopic fungus, which thrives upon the alcohol fumes, has darkened the buildings around the famous cellars. The cognac, famous for centuries around the world is a distillation of white wines, a good cognac should taste the very essence of fresh grapes, strong and heady. More than 80% of the production is exported – Britain and the United States alone accounting for 40% of those sales. Upon our arrival in cognac, our guide will take us through the old streets of the city centre, which boasts numerous 16th and 17th century buildings, including the house of the lieutenancy, located on the picturesque Rue Grande, before arriving at the world-famous Hennessy cellars, for a guided tour. Following 12 years service with Louis XV’s Irish brigade, Captain Richard Hennessy, wearying of army life in 1760, discovered the Charente region and settled into Cognac. Attracted by the taste of the Elixir distilled here, sent several casks to his relatives in Ireland and in 1765, founded a trading company which was an immediate success. The captain’s descendants still head the company today. We will be taken by boat across the river and led into the wine stores. We will be introduced to some sophisticated techniques and a range of contemporary settings, which reveal the characteristics of the Hennessy cognac. Here the special secret of the first four vintages used by Hennessy, the art of brandy making, double distillation and cooperage are all realistically explained with the help of special effects, involving images sounds and smells. We will then be taken to the left bank where we will be led into the Glass, Stone, Wood and Copper building designed by famous architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte in 1995, which reflects the modern facet of the company. Before taking part in a tasting session, we will learn of the fascinating story of the Hennessy inheritance. Documents, films and a host of objects from bygone times all reflect the company’s heritage. At the end of our visit, free time will be given in the gift shop which presents the full range of the Hennessy products, including bottles, decanters, presentation boxes and brand based items which are all presented in a welcome setting. Please note that this tour involves approximately 2 ½ hours of walking and standing. Some of the walking is over cobblestone streets and steps can be expected.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES