Top Poitou-Charentes Classes & Workshops

Good morning ! My name is Frédéric Bourgoin. I define myself as a terroirist winemaker and alchemist on the run. My 25 ha vineyard in “Organic Agriculture” conversion is located near Angoulême (Charente, France). The Bourgoin family wine adventure began in 1930 but bottled marketing is much more contemporary: 11/21/2015. Today my bottles are present on more than 150 Michelin-starred restaurants in France (and at the Elysée!). My natural cognacs are: unassembled, unsweetened, without added colorings, and unfiltered. Both young and authentic, my winemaking approach to the cognac category is unique in Charente. Come meet me, the truth is at the bottom of the bottle! 4 people minimum for any reservation.

When in Cognac, tasting the eponymous liquor is a must-do. Even more exciting is a behind-the-scenes tour of a working distillery to learn the secrets behind the famous brandy. On this tour, you’ll do both. Make your way to the historic, family-run Cognac house, a short drive or train ride from Cognac. Explore the distillery, aging cellar, and bottling workshop on a guided tour, then sample three aged Cognacs.

My name is Jeanne Maze, an Anglo French professional artist and a viticultrice, running my own Cognac vineyard. Come to Domaine de Monplaisir in the beautiful Borderies region of Cognac and experience my two great passions. I will show you our vineyard and my studio and then we will go and paint outside in the vines. If the weather is bad we will work indoors. I work in all different mediums, pastel, gouache, oil and charcoal. I will show you how to expand your approach to working outdoors and help with all aspects of your painting / drawing technique. Beginners are welcome, and basic materials are included. More experienced artists are welcome to bring their own equipment. My aim is that you'll walk away with a greater confidence in your art and will have thoroughly enjoyed your time in our vineyard!