Kicking off the year with a field immersion
Armagnac & Cahors
The experience began in the heart of the Landes, in the Bas-Armagnac area, with a visit to Domaine de Laballe—renowned for its fresh eaux-de-vie—followed by a tasting at the historic Maison Delord, a family-run distillery founded in 1893.
After an overnight stay at the charming Abbaye des Capucins in Montauban, the second day shifted focus to biodynamic wine production in Cahors. Students explored Château du Cèdre, a benchmark for the appellation, and Domaine Cosse Maisonneuve, celebrated for its artisanal expression of Malbec.
Cognac
The trip continued in Charente, where Cognac took centre stage. Visits to iconic producers such as Hennessy, Martell, and the Tiffon-Braastad distillery gave students rare access to the craftsmanship behind these world-renowned spirits. Key moments included a behind-the-scenes tour of Vicard, a refined lunch hosted by Grand Marnier, and a tasting at Maison J. Dupont, famed for its prestigious terroirs in Grande and Petite Champagne.
Throughout the tour, students engaged directly with winemakers, distillers and estate owners—gaining insight into diverse techniques and production philosophies. Tastings, technical visits and lively discussions helped link academic theory to field-based realities. This approach is central to the ethos of KEDGE Wine School, where real-world exposure complements a globally oriented, professionally focused curriculum. Bespoke experiences like this give future industry leaders the chance to build expertise, network with key players, and refine their understanding of the wine and spirits landscape—one vineyard at a time.
