Wines and spirits Poitou-Charentes

The place is very popular! Passionate about oenology, Bruno Berruet is above all an epicurean. When he created Pictavino, he wanted to create a friendly establishment, a landmark for gourmets, lovers of good wines and friends. And he succeeded! Both cellar and restaurant, Picatavino offers tasting on the spot and to take away. 500 references of wines are present, half of them in organic or sustainable culture, wines of friends, greedy wines to please oneself and to drink in good company. Many beers share the shelves.

The former Coulon dairy is home to the famous Tête de mule, a delicious craft beer that has won multiple awards in various competitions and trade shows. The beautifully-labeled mule comes in a variety of humorous forms. There are those who can slap a face, and those who are strong-headed. These beers have character! Blonde, white, brown, since 2023 amber, IPA, triple, porter, pale ale, to each his own. Direct sales and tours of the brewery. In summer, stroll through the dairy's gourmet markets, which provide a musical and gourmet atmosphere!

This delightful property has been preserved from the ravages of time. The château was built in 1480, at the end of the reign of Louis XI. Between the influence of the Flamboyant Gothic and the first echoes of the Renaissance, this architectural jewel bears witness to more than five centuries of history. The dovecote, a feudal and customary right, has some 5,000 nests; dating from 1740, its simple architecture is in keeping with the park. The 13-hectare park is a listed jewel case!

While the Bossuet family has a boutique in the heart of La Rochelle, Le Petit Futé also recommends a visit to the family estate just a stone's throw from Saintes. These enthusiasts will make you feel their love for their craft, welcoming you with a smile. You'll be charmed by the artisanal products, the story of Cognac told among the barrels, and the inevitable tasting. These independent winemakers are renowned. They have won 70 medals in 41 years at national competitions!

Founded in 1952, this winery is the oldest in Oléron. David Pradère, a passionate winegrower, gave it a new lease of life in 2022 by switching to organic farming. Farming in this way promotes biodiversity, enabling the production of original wines while respecting the environment and creating pleasant working conditions. The welcome is warm, and the products are of the highest quality, whether they be local Charentais wines or the famous pineau.

The creation of Meukow dates from the th century. In 1850, Auguste-Christophe and Gustav Meukow, two brothers from Silesia, were sent to France by Tsar Alexander II to supply the Russian court in cognac waters in Cognac. After several trips, they decided to install a commercial office in the town of Cognac and founded the House A.C. MEUKOW & Co on August 1 ^st, 1862. The brand grew rapidly and is now distributed in more than 80 countries.

Today, the Maison house reveals its treasures to visitors, in the heart of Cognac. In a décor that blends with tradition and modernity, the house is discovering its history and revealing some secrets of manufacturing. An indispensable visit for who loves Cognac, for architectural lovers… and others!

Tiny and artisan brewery at 2 km from Aubeterre held for almost 25 years by Marie-Claire and Bruce Hocking who produce 3 000 bottles per year. In spite of this, it proposes a wide variety of beers: !, rousses and stout. Alba Terra, a white beer flavored with orange flower.

Coco Baré, a passionate gourmet, opened his cellar in 2020, an address that has become so indispensable that it was awarded the only Gault & Millau macaron in the Deux-Sèvres region in June 2023. Whether you're shopping (700+ references of wines and spirits) or dining (wines by the glass, skittles and platters of local charcuterie and cheeses to share), you'll be so taken with this warm, chic space that you'll want to stay. Decorated with family heirlooms, with shelves of small and large producers, the owner behind the counter enchants with his discoveries, advice and warm welcome.

Beyond the chic, understated front of La Cave de la Madeleine, reminiscent of an old-fashioned boutique, the interior is just as elegant, with attractive flooring and a vaulted cellar where you can take part in tastings, events and wine and food pairing advice.

Carefully selecting the "magicians" as he calls them, this attentive and friendly caviste offers wines from France, from Alsace crus to south-western varietals, and spirits, mostly French, but also foreign, such as rare Japanese whiskies, in all over 200 references.

The Boinaud family has been working cognac since 1640 or 24 generations succeeding, learning, sometimes innovating in the field of vines, assemblages or bottling. In 2006, the family bought les De Luze and returned the brand to Grande Champagne, where it was wanted in 1862. Great connoisseurs of the different cognac of the region, their history and different wines, family members offer refined production that is especially taste of the palaces coming from abroad.

La Manuf is the story of a group of friends, their craft beer tasting club, and a dream: to create their own brewery. Their recipes are the fruit of a collective effervescence, while remaining true to their identity: beers with a strong hoppy character. At La Manuf, we like to innovate, and these activists of good foam have launched Le Labo. Every month, 3 new barrique brews make their debut, limited editions with surprising flavors. To discover them, visit the website or the bar/shop, with its view of the vats and summer terrace.

Funny name for a wine estate! In the ^19th century, the people of the village used to cook their meals in the ovens dug in the tufa rock on the property. Today, it is Michaël Baudon who manages the family business. On his 28 hectares of vines, he cultivates 12 grape varieties: Gamay, Chenin, Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet franc, Sauvignon, Viognier... and Floreal. Contact him for a guided tour and end the tour with a wine tasting in the cellar. A reference domain in Haut Poitou !

This store is ideally located in the heart of the Old Port, on the Cours des Dames. As you enter this somewhat unusual place, you will be seduced by a smiling welcome. No doubt, the staff is passionate and you can feel it! He will guide you in a universe dedicated to the star alcohol of the two Charentes: Cognac. Not only will you receive advice but you will also have the opportunity to taste the product of your choice. Cognac, pineau but also perfumed liqueurs, you will also find magnificent blown glass bottles.

Did you know that the Montmorillon brewery dates back to 1843? It was located in Saulgé and its beer was the best-selling beer in Free France during the German occupation before closing in the 1960s. In 2015, it was the entrepreneur François Guillon who decided to give the Montmorillonnais their beer back by brewing on site. He has not managed to get his hands on the original recipe, but he hopes to give it back its letters of nobility. From now on, the brewery produces artisanal and organic beer, as well as lemonade and cola.

The island of Ré is a territory of great wealth. While crossing the viaduct, you will have all the leisure to admire delicious landscapes but also to taste quality products, such as the salt flower and the artisanal beers. In 1996, an Austrian master brewer created them, today the brewers offer authentic and quality products. Bières de Ré has been awarded in 2023 and keeps innovating, offering a wide range of beers, including organic beers without gluten and specials, Déferlante or Extra.

No, you're not dreaming! You have to go to the Fromagerie, to buy... wine! André and his family have been producing wine for several generations from their 37 hectares of vines. For several years they have been committed to producing quality wine (organic with the AB label) using a variety of grape varieties: Merlot and Cabernet for the reds and rosé, Sauvignon and Colombard for the whites. The place is ideal to strengthen your cellar, you can buy wine, pineau and even soft drinks, apple juice and sparkling.

At Château de Bonbonnet, surrounded by a team of enthusiasts, Alexandre Ferrand has brought together creativity, quality expertise and local flavors to sublimate Gin in the land of Cognac.

After more than a quarter-century of expertise, from April 2024 the establishment will offer an immersion into the unique Citadelle Gin production process. From the subtle marriage of juniper berries and aromatic herbs to the tasting, the senses are awakened as we delve into the secrets of gin production in the impressive cathedral distillery.

After a boat trip on the Charente River, let experts guide you through the great adventure of the House of Hennessy, illustrated by an immersive digital device: family saga, know-how, influence of the brand around the world... A 360° experience that continues with a visit to a traditional aging cellar in operation. Alongside an expert, enter the shoes of a member of the Hennessy Tasting Committee to learn about the subtleties of tasting. Also discover the one and only Hennessy boutique in the world, from limited editions to the most exceptional pieces. The signature tour offers a discovery of the history, know-how and behind-the-scenes of the House of Hennessy. The final stage of the visit: the Hennessy cognac tasting experience. The X.O Symbol tour invites the visitor to discover an emblematic product of the Brand: Hennessy X.O. The Exception tour is a reservation-only tour to discover the facets of the House of Hennessy, including a visit to the Paradise cellar and a private room for the tasting of Hennessy X.O and Paradise. Finally, the "à la carte" tour allows you to create a customized visit to places that are usually closed to the public: the vineyard, the cooperage, the age-old cellar and the distillery. Visit by reservation only.

This magnificent estate just outside La Rochelle produces exceptional spirits. It is a charming stopover for those wishing to discover top-quality cognac and pineau. The current owner is a fifth-generation custodian of a unique savoir-faire. Through the combination of grape varieties and a subtle blend of exceptional eaux-de-vie, cognac is created after ageing in oak barrels. Several tours enable you to taste exceptional eaux-de-vie, including the chocolate-cognac alliance.