Cognac Gears Up for 2025 Distillation Festival with Sonia Rolland as Godmother
Table of Contents
- 1. Cognac Gears Up for 2025 Distillation Festival with Sonia Rolland as Godmother
- 2. Sonia Rolland to Preside as Godmother
- 3. Expanded Program and Focus
- 4. Building on Past Success
- 5. A Celebration of Heritage and Tourism
- 6. Looking Ahead
- 7. What aspect of the Cognac distillation process intrigues you the most, and what would you want to experience at the festival?
- 8. Cognac’s 2025 distillation Festival: An Interview with jean-Pierre Moreau of the BNIC
- 9. A Conversation with Jean-Pierre Moreau
- 10. What to expect at the 2025 Festival
- 11. The Future of Cognac and Tourism
- 12. Your Thoughts?
The Cognac region is preparing for it’s third annual festivity of distillation, scheduled for Oct. 23-26,2025. The event promises an expanded program, building on the success of previous years, and aims to highlight the region’s rich wine identity.
Sonia Rolland to Preside as Godmother
Actress, director, and producer Sonia Rolland, known for her “very precise knowledge” of cognac and her Miss France 2000 title, will serve as the godmother of the 2025 event. Her presence underscores the festival’s commitment to celebrating both the heritage and the modern appeal of the region.
Expanded Program and Focus
The 2025 festival will span almost four days, doubling the length of its first two iterations. According to Jérôme Sourisseau, president of Grand-Cognac, the event will feature “always more cultural, heritage and gourmet proposals!” The festival aims to broaden its appeal, with Thursday and Friday geared towards industry professionals, while Saturday and Sunday will be open to the general public and families.
- Visits to local distilleries and vineyards.
- Meetings with cognac producers.
- Exhibitions showcasing the history and art of cognac making.
- Hands-on workshops for enthusiasts.
- Concerts and live entertainment.
- A grand banquet featuring regional cuisine and, of course, cognac.
Building on Past Success
The 2024 “Ban from distillation” event, featuring humorist Elie Semoun as godfather, drew more than 3,000 attendees and offered 42 activities, including 30 that were free. The high “97 % reservation rate” for these activities prompted organizers to expand the 2025 program.
A Celebration of Heritage and Tourism
Just as the harvest ban signals the start of grape harvesting in other wine regions, the ban of distillation marks the begining of double distillation in Cognac. This celebration aims to boost wine tourism during an otherwise quiet period and strengthen the region’s bid for recognition of its cognac know-how as intangible heritage of humanity.
Sourisseau added, “It is also an opportunity to talk about cognac in a positive way. in times of crisis, it is essential.” The Grand-Cognac agglomeration is investing a “budget of around 70,000 to 90,000 euros” in the event, uniting numerous stakeholders in the cognac industry.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Cognac distillation festival promises a vibrant celebration of the region’s heritage, culture, and renowned spirit. With an expanded program, a focus on both industry professionals and the public, and the support of key stakeholders, the event is poised to be a meaningful boost for the Cognac region. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of cognac, experience the local culture, and celebrate the art of distillation. Mark your calendars for Oct. 23-26, 2025, and plan your visit today!
What aspect of the Cognac distillation process intrigues you the most, and what would you want to experience at the festival?
Cognac’s 2025 distillation Festival: An Interview with jean-Pierre Moreau of the BNIC
The Cognac region is buzzing with anticipation for the 2025 Distillation Festival, and Archyde News recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jean-Pierre Moreau, spokesperson for the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC), to get an inside look at what attendees can expect.
A Conversation with Jean-Pierre Moreau
Archyde News: Jean-Pierre, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. The 2025 Cognac Distillation Festival is generating a lot of buzz. Can you tell our readers what makes this year’s event so special?
Jean-Pierre Moreau: It’s our pleasure. We’re incredibly excited about the 2025 festival. What sets it apart is the significant expansion of the programme, doubling in length from previous years to almost four days. This allows us to offer a more immersive experience, catering to both industry professionals and the general public interested in the art of cognac distillation. We’re thrilled to have Sonia Rolland as our Godmother – her passion for Cognac is infectious!
Archyde News: Sonia Rolland is indeed a fantastic choice as Godmother. How does her involvement amplify the festival’s message?
Jean-Pierre Moreau: Sonia embodies the modern spirit of Cognac while deeply respecting its heritage. Her title as Miss france 2000 gives her such incredible reach. Her knowledge and passion are invaluable in highlighting the region’s rich wine identity and celebrating the blend of tradition and innovation that defines Cognac production.
What to expect at the 2025 Festival
Archyde News: Can you elaborate on some of the “cultural, heritage, and gourmet proposals” that President Sourisseau mentioned?
Jean-Pierre Moreau: Absolutely. Attendees can anticipate a diverse range of activities, including guided visits to local distilleries and vineyards, offering a firsthand look at the cognac-making process. We’ll also have opportunities to meet with passionate cognac producers, showcasing the history and art of cognac through exhibitions. For those eager to learn, we’ll be hosting hands-on workshops. And, of course, no Cognac celebration is complete without regional cuisine and fine Cognac pairings, culminating in a grand banquet.
Archyde News: The success of the 2024 event, with its high reservation rate, clearly demonstrated the public’s interest. How is the 2025 festival addressing that demand?
Jean-Pierre Moreau: The overwhelming response in 2024 spurred us to significantly expand the program. We’re offering more activities, ensuring a wider range of options to suit every interest. More activities will be free to encourage participation, reflecting our commitment to sharing the Cognac story with as many peopel as possible.
The Future of Cognac and Tourism
Archyde News: The festival aims to boost wine tourism. How vital is tourism to the Cognac region, and how does this event contribute to that?
Jean-Pierre Moreau: Tourism is vital. The Distillation Festival provides a meaningful boost during a traditionally quieter season. By showcasing our unique artistry and heritage, we strengthen the region’s appeal as a premier destination for wine and spirits enthusiasts, solidifying our bid for recognition of cognac no-how as an intangible heritage of humanity.
Archyde News: in light of global challenges, what message does the Cognac region hope to convey through this celebration?
Jean-Pierre Moreau: In these times, celebrating traditions and craftsmanship is more important then ever. We want to share the positive message that Cognac is more than just a spirit; it’s a symbol of resilience, heritage, and the enduring spirit of collaboration. It’s a reminder of the artistry and dedication that goes into every bottle.
Archyde News: Jean-Pierre, thank you for this insightful look into the 2025 Cognac Distillation Festival.
Jean-Pierre Moreau: My pleasure.We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Cognac region in 2025!
Your Thoughts?
What aspect of the Cognac distillation process intrigues you the most, and what would you want to experience at the festival? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
