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On June 4, celebrate World Cognac Day!

As far back as the XVIIᵉ century, Cognac was described as an "ambassador of the French art de vivre". Even today, this emblematic eau-de-vie perpetuates a tradition of excellence and know-how, carried on by men and women deeply attached to their terroir. Exported to over 160 countries, Cognac shines throughout the world and remains one of France's most internationally recognized appellations.

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Temps de lecture : 2 minutes
Photographie d'un verre de Cognac ©BNIC - Aurélien TERRADE
Photographie d'un verre de Cognac ©BNIC - Aurélien TERRADE

Every year, more than 140 million bottles are sold worldwide, generating over 11 billion euros in sales and creating more than 70,000 jobs in France. A veritable economic powerhouse for the Charentes region and a jewel in the crown of France's heritage, Cognac embodies French agricultural, artisanal, industrial and cultural excellence.

World Cognac Day 2026
World Cognac Day 2026

This year, World Cognac Day takes on a very special dimension as the appellation also celebrates the 90th anniversary of its Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC), recognized in 1936. This anniversary is an opportunity to recall the importance of the AOC system, founded on the inseparable link between a product, a terroir and know-how handed down from generation to generation.

Cognac Day, born in the United States, testifies to the appellation's unique international influence and the historic link between Cognac and the American market. For several decades, Cognac has occupied a singular place in American popular culture, accompanying the great musical currents that have marked their era: jazz, blues, then hip-hop and rap have largely contributed to making Cognac part of a universal cultural imagination. Numerous artists have celebrated this French eau-de-vie as a symbol of conviviality, success and sharing.

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Today, Cognac is also enjoying a revival, driven by the mixology and creativity of bartenders the world over. In classic cocktails or contemporary creations, it's seducing a new generation of consumers while revealing all the richness and diversity of its aromatic profiles. Across the Charentes region and beyond, a host of events highlight the vitality and creativity of the Cognac industry: tastings, meetings with producers, cultural and festive events, discoveries of know-how and wine tourism initiatives. In this way, the region continues to bring its heritage to life throughout the year, through events that have become unmissable such as the Ban de la Distillation, festivals dedicated to Cognac and the many initiatives led by the appellation's houses and winegrowers.

«Vignes, Cognac», @BNIC, Pascal Beltrami
«Vignes, Cognac», @BNIC, Pascal Beltrami
©BNIC

Beyond tasting, this day also celebrates a forward-looking industry, committed to environmental transitions, the preservation of natural resources, the transmission of know-how and innovation, while remaining faithful to the exacting standards that have for centuries made Cognac's worldwide reputation.

On June 4, let's celebrate together this emblematic appellation, a symbol of French excellence, living heritage and international influence.

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