French vinegar tour, tasting and mixology class near Cognac

Meet Carole

Carole is a fun and friendly local, passionate about artisanal French products (especially vinegar!) and sustainable tourism. An avid traveler, Carole loves connecting with travelers from around the world so that she can learn from and discover their culture. Carole is keen to help guests discover Baume de Bouteville - a hidden gourmet gem produced in Bouteville, located in the heart of the Cognac vineyards in Grande Champagne, on the outskirts of Cognac. Ask Carole about the history behind the founding of this artisanal vinegar business - it has to do with the economic crisis of the '90s and the founder's daughter marrying an Italian from Modena and realizing how much more they had in common! Enjoy a tour and tasting of vinegars at this small but charming vinegar cellar that produces vinegar used by Michelin-starred chefs. On days that Carole is not available, her equally passionate colleague will host your experience.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

Cooking experience (1 - 20 guests) MOCKTAIL CLASS + VINEGAR & FOOD TASTING: This is a 2.5 hour experience that includes a mocktail making class in addition to a vinegar tour, tasting and food pairing. This experience does not include a "cooking class" or full meal but does include a light food pairing of local and regional cheese, charcuterie and oysters. Learn to make delicious mocktails using the secret ingredients of vinegar and balsamic vinegar with your host Carole. Meet your host Carole at an artisanal vinegar making facility in Bouteville, a village located a 20-min drive from Cognac. Begin your 1.5 hour experience with a tour of the castle and vineyards. Get an understanding of the history and origin of vinegar in France and learn how French vinegar is handcrafted from grape juice harvested in the best plots of the vineyards and aged in quality Cognac barrels. Next taste a variety of balsamic condiments, vinegars and soy sauce and learn about what makes these artisanal French products unique and how the different wood in the barrel imparts different tastes to the vinegar. Enjoy a food pairing with a regional selection of charcuterie, cheese, bread and oysters and wash it down with a glass of local wine. Your experience includes a mixology class for an hour during which you learn to make non-alcoholic cocktails from local and seasonal ingredients!

Food tour (1 - 20 guests) VINEGAR TOUR & TASTING: Meet your host Carole at an artisanal vinegar making facility in Bouteville, a village located a 20-min drive from Cognac. Begin your 1.5 hour experience with a tour of the castle and vineyards. Get an understanding of the history and origin of vinegar in France and learn how French vinegar is handcrafted from grape juice harvested in the best plots of the vineyards and aged in quality Cognac barrels. Next taste a variety of balsamic condiments, vinegars and soy sauce and learn about what makes these artisanal French products unique and how the different wood in the barrel imparts different tastes to the vinegar. Enjoy a food pairing with a regional selection of charcuterie, cheese, bread and oysters and wash it down with a glass of local wine.