Taking joy in sustainability
At Maison Courvoisier, everything we do is inspired by deep connection – with nature and with community. Careful stewardship of both elements is at the heart of how we create a positive impact.
Sustainable Sourcing
Oak barrels impart extraordinary character to our cognacs, but rising global temperatures have introduced opportunistic pest species and other challenges to oak forests in France. In partnership with the Office national des forêts, the Maison is funding an innovative study to better understand the threats to our beautiful forests with a donation of 425,000 euros over four years.
Courvoisier is proud, as of 2022, of planting more trees than are used to craft the barrels for our cognac. With trees as an inspiration to our craft, our Forest and Fields program focuses on tree preservation and health – so the Art of Making can inspire future generations.
Supporting Biodiversity
Bees move pollen between plants to help them reproduce and are a crucial part of our ecosystem. The bee is an ancient symbol of France’s sovereigns, historically standing for immortality and royalty. Courvoisier proudly graced the tables of royal courts in France and Europe and bee patterns were incorporated into label designs to express this royal heritage. These patterns are still visible on selected bottles today. With bee populations in decline, Courvoisier sponsors beehives at our facilities to protect this regal symbol and promote biodiversity, while also working on implementing larger programs to deepen our commitment.
O’Vignes is a project which brings together three Courvoisier wine growers and two communities around Jarnac to focus on protecting local water quality. Currently converting 40 hectares of agricultural land into natural grasslands to protect the water table, the project is planned for expansion, converting even more land in partnership with wine growers – all while making a positive impact on water quality for local communities.
The Cognac Environment Certification (CEC) is a joint initiative between Cognac houses and the French Ministry of Agriculture to promote sustainable practices in our industry. This important initiative focuses on the reduction of chemical agriculture, management of liquid waste and fostering meaningful dialogue between wine growers and their neighbors.
Elevating the Community
Foundation 1828 supports black and minority small business owners and entrepreneurs who faced hardship during the pandemic. This $1 million commitment over five years offers minority entrepreneurs an opportunity to grow and build resilience. As Foundation 1828 expands, this lasting impact will benefit more business owners across the globe. This commitment is supported by a multi-year partnership with the National Urban League to provide educational support, financial support and mentorship opportunities to Black entrepreneurs.
We’re proud that our partnership with L’Arche, started in 1995, helps people from across the world with and without intellectual disabilities to build community together. The collaboration includes people from L’Arche participating in the manufacturing process for work experience on an ongoing basis, running races and planting trees to contribute to help keep Courvoisier tree positive.
