A Sensory Experience Like No Other
Join us from 20th to 24th November for a sensory immersion in the food and wine of the Aquitaine region of France. Hosted by Olive & Charlie, you will embark on a journey of sensory delight...savouring the foie gras of Aquitaine, the oysters of Arcachon, the renowned wines of Bordeaux, Medoc, Saint-Emilion - Pomerol - Fronsac, Entre-deux-Mers, Graves, Sauternes, Blaye, Côtes de Bourg and much more...About the Experience
Your sensory journey will strike the perfect balance between exploratory visits to local wine makers, and restorative downtime in the beautiful L'ancienne Distillerie, nestled amongst the vines of the Charente. We will visit local markets absorbing the sights and sounds of this region so famed for its viticulture.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Welcome
- Arrival at Bordeaux Airport, where you’ll be greeted by your hosts, Olive and Charlie.
- Transfer to Cognac and your country dwelling for the weekend.
- Settle into your comfortable accommodation and relax.
- Enjoy le dîner “Aux saveurs d’automne” (Flavours of Autumn), meet your fellow guests and discuss the exciting days ahead.
Day 2: Charentaise Markets & Vineyards
- Begin the day with a delicious French breakfast
- Embark on a morning visit to the bustling markets of ancient Angouleme.
- Lunch back at L’ancienne Distillerie where we will dive into authentic local produce
- Vineyard visits in the afternoon to local wine growers who produce their own wine and supply Hennessy, Courvoisier and Remy-Martin amongst others.
- Evening dinner will continue the oenological theme with a series of courses inspired and infused with local pineau and cognac.
Day 3: Echappée à St Emilion
- After breakfast, we escape to St Emilion, one of the most renowned wine regions of this part of France…
- There we visit the Trocard vineyards for a tour and wine tasting
- Lunch is at the beautiful bar à vin le Cloître des Cordeliers*
- Finishing the day with evening dîner “autour de la raclette”.
* Please note the lunch in St Emilion is not included in the overall cost
Day 4: La Charente et le Cognac
- After breakfast we take a walk in the surrounding vineyards, absorbing their sights and sounds.
- You can alternatively kick back, rest and relax by the fire.
- After a luscious lunch, an afternoon in charming Cognac, famed for its history and world famous cognac houses.
- Top off the day with a very special cocktail in preparation for…
- Our farewell Dîner “du Maître de chai” à la maison
Day 5: Closing and Departure
- A morning walk amongst the vines followed by….
- …a final French brunch before bidding farewell to your hosts and fellow guests
- Transfer to Bordeaux Airport for your return flight, taking with you cherished memories and newfound culinary talents.
Please note that this itinerary is subject to change.*
About Your Guide
Maggy Paul-Martinet is the very best guide you could have for this sensory immersion. An amatrice du vin with a career spanning hotel management and catering, she then spent 25 years at Air France, traveling the world and experiencing diverse cultures, cuisines and wines. Her love of French food and wine runs deep and it is a love and appreciation she now shares generously with others. A devoted mother and grandmother, her passion for hosting shines ever brighter.
About Your Hosts
Olive and Charlie will be your hosts for the week, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience from start to finish. Having made the move from Ireland to France some years back, they fell in love with the Charente region and have dedicated themselves to creating retreats that combine quality instruction and authentic French experiences, from the delicious local food and wine to visits to unique local attractions.About the Venue
Fall asleep to the sound of the tinkling fountain, wake to bird song and when the stills are working, smell the unique aroma of cognac on the breeze. Set in 2 and 1/2 acres of gardens and parkland and surrounded by vines, L'Ancienne Distillerie is a calm, restful property in a peaceful hamlet just outside Cognac. Formed around a traditional Charentaise farmhouse, the accommodation has been created through the sympathetic conversion of the 150 year old buildings that made up the former cognac distillery.
Travel Arrangements
If travelling from Ireland, we recommend Aer Lingus flights: Dublin – Bordeaux on Wednesday 20th November and Bordeaux – Dublin on Sunday 24th November. This will ensure you have complimentary airport transfers to and from your accommodation. If you are travelling from the UK, from another airport, or arriving by train, let us know and we will work with you to ensure optimum travel options.
Please do not book your flights/trains before we confirm minimum sign-ups. We will inform you at the earliest date possible.
Cost
The all-inclusive cost of this exclusive Food & Wine Tasting Experience is €1,020 per person sharing or €1,460 if you wish to avail of a private room. The fee covers accommodation, food and wine, all transport including to and from Bordeaux airport if you book the recommended flights. Flight costs are not included and must be arranged by you separately. A non-refundable 50% deposit is required in order to confirm your booking.Book Now
It's time to treat yourself to a truly immersive experience in the heart of France's Cognac region. In order to secure your booking, a 50% non-refundable deposit must be paid. The remaining balance is due by 30th September 2024.
With limited spots available, we encourage you to book soon to avoid disappointment.
REGISTRATION CLOSES 6PM ON 30TH SEPTEMBER 2024
Register Your Interest in Our Food & Wine Experience
As we are in the process of fine-tuning some details of this experience to ensure it provides a transformative experience, we are currently not accepting immediate bookings. However, we recognise that you might already be considering this retreat for your future plans.
Once you express your interest, you'll be among the first to receive updates about the retreat. We'll keep you informed about when bookings will open and any exciting details or enhancements to the itinerary as they are confirmed.