Days 628-631, 22-25 Feb '16, Meukow Cognac House. Our dear friends from the north of France drove 5 hours south to spend a few days with us. They arrived late Wednesday evening and we were up bright and early Thursday for our trip to Cognac. We headed directly to Meukow Cognac House and kicked off a fascinating tour at 11 am. We officially know about 1000% more than we used to about the production of Cognac (anything less than 40% alcohol... and it's just plain old brandy). We were also surprised that their modern production and bottling facility is actually just down the road from home in Matha. The tour concluded with the most important bit... the tasting of VS (very special), VSOP (very special old pale) and XO (extra old) cognac. Also some cognac liqueurs flavoured with coffee, vanilla and almond. Suffice to say we didn't need a drink before lunch when we adjourned to the onsite restaurant. It was a set menu and a complete surprise for all of us - Foie Gras (my first time), fish with vegetables and cognac sauce and a dreamy nougat and ice-cream concoction for dessert. Aside from one other table for two, the restaurant was open just for us. Serious Rockstar material. After lunch we strolled along the banks of the Charente, up through the city park and then down through the old quarter of Cognac. After such a big day out, the four of us could barely keep our eyes open for the drive home. James's special chicken, mushroom and white wine pot pie for dinner and bed by midnight... utter exhaustion but a fabulous day.