While we are surrounded by vineyards, most of the grapes are used for cognac or Pineau de Charentes rather than still wines. For those interested in the former, the town of Cognac is just 25 minutes to the southeast, with boozy and educational tours at renowned cognac houses such as Hennessy, Rémy Martin, Martell and Courvoisier (in nearby Jonzac) on offer. (Most are bookable via their websites with English-speaking tours).  On the rare occasions we’ve traveled to Cognac child-free, we thoroughly enjoyed the tour and tasting at the Chateau de Cognac due to its fascinating history (you can still see the graffiti from English prisoners in the grand hall) and modern collaborations (they produce Jay-Z’s branded tipple). 

Not interested in big-name cognac producers or rappers? Within 3 minutes of us by car are small, family-run distilleries which produce not only cognac, but also the local aperitif, Pineau de Charentes, which is a blend of grape juice and cognac. Most of these tasting rooms are, ahem, très rustique, compared to the name-brand producers, such as pictured tasting shack of Guy Gombert, but in the nearby hamlet of Les Touches de Périgny, F. Gacon has a sleek new tasting room. Note: many also produce and bottle their own grape juice, if you are that day’s designated driver!