I discovered a new wine from two of the south bay's bests, the Basin and Manresa. Pineau des…read moreCharentes is a dessert wine made from Saint Emlilion (or Ugni Blanc) mixed with Cognac. It has a great golden color and has a great fruit finish. If you're looking for something with the essence of a Tokaji or Sauternes without the price tag, a Maison Brillet Pieneau will do the trick.

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.