Wine tourism in the Rhône Valley
Wine Tourism in the Rhône Valley: destination information, how to move in the Rhône Valley, Top Wine Experiences, Itineraries and tours, tips and secrets.
The Rhône Valley, located in southeastern France, is a picturesque region known for its stunning landscapes, historical significance, and exceptional wine culture. Stretching from the Swiss border to the Mediterranean coast, the valley encompasses diverse terrains, including lush vineyards, ancient Roman ruins, and charming towns. It is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in France and is renowned for its full-bodied reds, particularly those from appellations like Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
The Rhône Valley combines rich traditions with modern innovations in winemaking, making it a captivating destination for wine enthusiasts. Its wines reflect the region's varied terroir, offering a range of styles from robust reds to elegant whites and aromatic rosés.
If you're already familiar with the Rhône Valley wine region, feel free to skip this guide and start your search for Rhône Valley wine experiences available on winedering.com.
The Destination: Rhone Valley
The Rhône Valley is one of France's most renowned wine regions, celebrated for its diverse and high-quality wines. This region is divided into two distinct sub-regions: the Northern Rhône and the Southern Rhône, each with its unique characteristics and grape varieties.
The history of winemaking in the Rhône Valley dates back over 2,000 years, starting with the ancient Greeks and flourishing under Roman development. The Romans recognized the region's potential and established vineyards along the Rhône River, a crucial trade route. In the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church and monastic orders played a significant role, particularly with Châteauneuf-du-Pape, named after the Papal residency in Avignon during the 14th century. The region's reputation continued to grow, and the 20th-century establishment of the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system ensured quality and authenticity.
The Rhône Valley's climate varies significantly between the Northern and Southern sub-regions, contributing to the diversity of its wines.
Northern Rhône experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The mistral wind, a strong, cold northwesterly wind, plays a crucial role by drying the vineyards and reducing the risk of vine diseases. The steep, terraced vineyards are carefully managed to ensure the highest quality grapes. Southern Rhône enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, benefiting from abundant sunshine and lower rainfall. The diverse terroir, including pebbly soils, clay, and limestone, contributes to the complexity of the wines.
Wine tourism is also a significant attraction in the Rhône Valley, with visitors exploring picturesque vineyards, participating in wine tastings, and learning about the winemaking process. Key attractions include historical sites, wine cellars, and local culinary delights that complement the wine experience.
Key Attractions in the Rhône Valley
In addition to being a globally acclaimed wine area, Rhône is a destination rich in cultural, historical, and natural attractions. This renowned area is home to vibrant cities and picturesque villages that captivate visitors with their unique charm. Here are some key cities and their surrounding attractions that you won't want to miss on your next trip:
Lyon
Known as the culinary capital of France, Lyon offers a blend of historical architecture, vibrant markets, and renowned restaurants. Don’t miss the UNESCO-listed Old Town and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. As the entry point to the Rhône Valley and the Beaujolais wine regions, Lyon is the perfect starting place for exploring the area's vineyards and countryside.
Avignon
Famous for the Palais des Papes and its well-preserved medieval architecture, Avignon also hosts the annual Avignon Theatre Festival. Nearby attractions include the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and the picturesque villages of the Luberon.
Valence
A city with a rich Roman heritage, Valence features beautiful parks, the Maison des Têtes, and the Cathedral of Saint-Apollinaire. The Drôme Valley and the Vercors Regional Natural Park nearby offer stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. The Renaissance castle in Grignan is also worth a visit.
Orange
Known for its impressive Roman theatre and triumphal arch, Orange is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire offers insights into the local history. Just a short drive away, the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the scenic Dentelles de Montmirail mountains are perfect for day trips.
Vienne
Rich in Roman history, Vienne boasts ancient ruins, the Temple of Augustus and Livia, and an impressive Roman theatre. Visit the Musée Gallo-Romain for archaeological finds. Nearby, the Côte-Rôtie vineyards offer exquisite wine-tasting experiences.
How To Reach the Rhone Valley
Route 1: Northern & Southern Rhône Wine Tour
Start in Lyon, exploring its cuisine and nearby vineyards. Continue to Tain-l'Hermitage and Valence for wine tastings. Travel to Avignon for cultural sites and Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. Finish in Orange and Gigondas, known for Roman heritage and vineyards.
Route 2: Southern France Wine & Heritage Exploration
Explore the unique flavors of Southern France! Begin in Lyon, exploring the city and nearby vineyards. Travel south to Avignon, known for its historical sites and Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. Continue to the Camargue region, famous for its unique landscape and wine. Visit Arles, rich in Roman history and local wines. End in Aix-en-Provence, combining Provençal wines with cultural experiences. Extend your journey to the Languedoc-Roussillon region, visiting Montpellier, Carcassonne, and Béziers, known for their vibrant wine scenes and historical attractions.
Flights
To reach the Rhône Valley wine region, you can fly into several major airports:
-
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS): The primary airport for the Rhône Valley, offering numerous international and domestic flights.
-
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS): Serves the southern part of the Rhône Valley and Provence, with good connectivity.
-
Geneva Airport (GVA): Located in Switzerland, ideal for accessing the northern Rhône Valley, especially near the French-Swiss border.
Trains
From Lyon Part Dieu, you can take TGV or TER trains to various destinations within the Rhône Valley, including Avignon, providing easy access to the southern Rhône wine region, or Valence, serving as a gateway to the northern Rhône Valley, or Orange, located in proximity to renowned wine areas like Châteauneuf-du-Pape. From Marseille, you can also take TGV and regional trains to key destinations in the Rhône Valley such as Avignon, Arles, Nîmes, and Orange. From Geneva, direct trains run to Lyon, where you can connect to other destinations in the northern Rhône Valley.
Car / Ncc
From Lyon, take the A7 highway, also known as the "Autoroute du Soleil," which connects Lyon to major Rhône Valley destinations like Avignon, Valence, and Montélimar. From Marseille, take the A7 highway north toward Avignon and other wine regions, or the A54 to Arles and Nîmes. From Geneva, drive via the A1 to Lyon, then connect to the A7 for access to the northern Rhône Valley.
How to visit wineries in the Rhone Valley
To prepare for your delightful trip to the Rhône Valley, here are some key tips:
Renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to visit wineries in the Rhône Valley. It provides flexibility in choosing which vineyards to visit and allows you to explore the region at your own pace. The area is well-connected by roads, making it easy to travel between different wine regions like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Hermitage, and Côte-Rôtie. Make sure to have a designated driver or plan your visits with moderation if tasting wines.
In some parts of the Rhône Valley, especially around larger towns like Avignon and Lyon, public transport options such as buses and trains can be used to reach nearby wine regions. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available, but they can be more costly and less flexible compared to other options.
Several companies offer guided wine tours, which can be a great way to learn about the region's wine-making traditions and visit multiple wineries in a day. These tours often include transportation, making them convenient for travelers who prefer not to drive. They may also provide insider access to vineyards and cellars, along with wine tastings and expert guidance.
Wine tasting in the town of Châteauneuf du Pape
The wine tasting experience at La Cave de Mathias in Châteauneuf-du-Pape combines wine and art in a unique setting. Visitors can enjoy a guided tasting of 5 wines from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine appellation in a contemporary art gallery that includes a 15th-century vaulted cellar. This 2-hour experience is enhanced by the ambiance of art and music.
Afternoon Southern Rhone Valley Wine Tasting Tour from Avignon
This tour, departing from Avignon, offers a 4.5-hour exploration of the region's renowned wine appellations, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Vacqueyras. The tour includes visits to 3 estates, where participants can taste at least 9 wines. Transportation, guide services, and tastings are included, with a maximum group size of 6 people. This experience provides an in-depth look at the wines of the Southern Rhône Valley.
Full-day Wine Tasting Tour from Marseille
This tour will take you to the renowned wine regions of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Séguret. This tour includes visits to 3 prestigious wineries, where you will get to atste 3 to 6 wines at each location. The tour offers an immersive experience in the Southern Rhône Valley, including a visit to a wine museum in a castle, and showcases the region's rich history and picturesque landscapes. The tour lasts about 8 hours and includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Marseille or nearby cities, including Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, or Toulon.
Full-day Northern Rhône Valley Wine tour from Lyon
This 9-hour tour explores the Northern Rhône Valley, covering such prestigious wine regions as Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, and Saint-Joseph. Guests visit 3 wine estates for tastings of Syrah and Viognier wines, and enjoy a local lunch. The tour includes transportation and guide services, starting from Lyon, Valence, or Tain l'Hermitage, with a maximum group size of 8 participants.
Wine & Food in the Rhône Valley
The Pope's Vineyards
The Rhône Valley wine region covers a vast expanse of southeastern France, with over 71,000 hectares of vineyards stretching along the Rhône River. The Northern Rhône is more compact, with vineyards primarily concentrated along the riverbanks, while the Southern Rhône spreads out more broadly, showcasing diverse terroirs.
Renowned for its high-quality wines, the Rhône Valley benefits from stringent production standards and a unique terroir, which includes varied soil types, climate conditions, and topography. In the Northern Rhône, the steep, terraced vineyards demand manual harvesting, ensuring careful grape selection. The primary grape varieties here include Syrah for reds and Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne for whites. The Southern Rhône's Mediterranean climate and diverse soils are ideal for cultivating Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.
The vinification process in the Rhône Valley combines traditional methods with modern techniques. Fermentation can occur in stainless steel tanks, concrete vats, or oak barrels, each imparting distinct qualities to the wine. Aging in oak barrels is common, adding depth and richness. Winemakers in the Rhône Valley skillfully balance these elements to produce harmonious and expressive wines. In the Southern Rhône, blending is a hallmark, allowing winemakers to create complex, balanced wines by combining different grape varieties.
Some of the most appraised and notable appellations in Northern Rhône include:
- Hermitage: Known for powerful and complex red wines primarily made from Syrah, with some whites from Marsanne and Roussanne.
- Côte-Rôtie: Celebrated for its elegant red wines made from Syrah, often co-fermented with a small percentage of Viognier.
- Condrieu: Exclusively produces aromatic and full-bodied white wines from Viognier.
While in the Southern Rhône, the most attention and praise go to:
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Famous for its robust red blends, typically featuring Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, with up to 13 permitted grape varieties.
- Gigondas: Known for its hearty red wines, predominantly from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.
- Vacqueyras: Produces rich and structured reds, as well as notable whites and rosés.
- Côtes du Rhône: A versatile and widely produced appellation, offering red, white, and rosé wines. It encompasses several village-level designations that denote higher quality.
To sum up, the Rhône Valley's rich history, varied climate, and rigorous production standards create an ideal environment for producing a diverse range of high-quality wines. The blend of ancient traditions and diverse terroirs ensures that the Rhône Valley remains a dynamic and celebrated wine region, offering a captivating journey for wine lovers.
The Rhône Valley's Traditional Specialties
The Rhône Valley's gastronomy is distinguished by its use of fresh, local ingredients and a deep connection to both Mediterranean and Provençal culinary traditions. The culinary offerings vary between the northern and southern parts of the Rhône Valley, with the north being known for richer, heartier fare, often paired with the region's famous red wines, such as Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage. The southern part, particularly around Avignon and the Provence area, features lighter, Mediterranean-influenced dishes that highlight the use of vegetables, seafood, and aromatic herbs.
Lyon, often regarded as the gastronomic capital of France, boasts a rich culinary heritage. The city's cuisine is characterized by its hearty and flavorful dishes, with a strong emphasis on local ingredients such as meats, cheeses, and fresh produce. Lyon is particularly famous for its "bouchons," traditional bistros that serve local specialties.
Valence also stands out for its fine dining scene, featuring Michelin-starred restaurants that expertly blend traditional flavors with contemporary culinary techniques, highlighting the diverse and rich food culture of the Rhône Valley.
Saucisson de Lyon
This classic cured sausage from Lyon, is known for its rich, savory flavor. Made from coarsely ground pork seasoned with garlic and spices, it's air-dried to achieve a firm texture. This sausage is a staple in charcuterie platters, where it's paired with cheeses, bread, and pickles. It can also be featured in dishes like Saucisson Brioché, where the sausage is baked in a buttery brioche dough, or added to salads and stews for added depth.
Salade Lyonnaise
Salade Lyonnaise is a classic French salad from Lyon, featuring frisée lettuce, crispy lardons (bacon), a poached egg, and croutons. It's dressed with a Dijon vinaigrette, and the egg yolk adds a rich, creamy texture when mixed in. This hearty salad is often served as a starter or light meal.
Tablier de Sapeur
Gratin Dauphinois
This classic French dish originates from the Dauphiné region (parts of the Rhône Valley and the French Alps). Gratin is made with thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy mixture of cream and milk, often infused with garlic. This dish is known for its creamy, rich texture and is typically served as a comforting side dish with meats or as a hearty main course.
Cervelle de Canut
A traditional cheese spread from Lyon, made with fromage blanc or fresh cheese. It is flavored with herbs like chives and parsley, along with garlic, shallots, and a touch of white wine vinegar for tanginess. The spread is often enjoyed with crusty bread or vegetables, offering a fresh and flavorful appetizer. Despite its name, which means "silk worker's brain," the dish contains no brain and is named after the local silk workers, the "Canuts."
Pintadeau de la Drôme
Pintadeau refers to young guinea fowl, a regional specialty from the Drôme region, renowned for its high-quality poultry. Recognized with an IGP label, Pintadeau is prized for its tender meat and rich flavor, making it a popular choice in French cuisine. It is typically roasted or braised, often served with sauces and accompaniments that complement its delicate taste, highlighting the bird's natural flavors.
Picodon
Picodon is a small, round, goat's milk cheese that comes from the Ardèche and Drôme regions within the Rhône Valley. This cheese is known for its distinct, tangy flavor and firm texture, which can become sharper and more pungent as it matures. Picodon is often enjoyed with bread or crackers and pairs well with local wines, making it a celebrated product of the Rhône Valley's rich gastronomic tradition.
Nougat de Montélimar
This is a traditional French sweet from the town of Montélimar in the Rhône Valley. It's made from honey, sugar, whipped egg whites, and a generous amount of almonds and pistachios. The nougat is light and chewy, with a delightful crunch from the nuts. It is often enjoyed as a sweet treat, either on its own or with coffee or tea, and is popular during festive occasions.
Coussin de Lyon
This is a popular confection from Lyon, consisting of a green marzipan shell filled with chocolate ganache flavored with curaçao. It is shaped like a small cushion, hence the name "coussin," which means "cushion" in French. The Coussin de Lyon is well-known throughout France and has become a symbol of Lyon's culinary specialties.
The Rhône Valley, particularly the Drôme and Vaucluse regions, is renowned for its black truffle production. The town of Richerenches is a major center for truffle harvesting, which occurs from November to March. Truffles are integral to the local cuisine, adding a distinctive aroma and depth of flavor to dishes. Popular truffle-infused dishes in the Rhône Valley include truffle omelet, truffle risotto, chicken with truffles, truffle butter, and truffle cheeses.
The area around Tain-l'Hermitage in the Rhône Valley is also renowned for its chocolate production, with Valrhona being a notable name in the industry. Founded in 1922, it is a leading producer of premium chocolate, highly regarded by pastry chefs and chocolatiers worldwide.
Top 3 Wine Experiences
Here are our top 3 recommendations for wine experiences in the Rhône Valley, carefully selected by Winedering, the world's most popular wine and food experiences marketplace. These experiences, booked by thousands of customers, are the ones we highly recommend for creating unforgettable moments.
Visit and Organic Wine Tasting at Château Mourgues du Grès
At Château Mourgues du Grès in the Costières de Nîmes, visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the vineyards and cellar, followed by a tasting of 5 organic wines, including whites, rosé, and reds. The experience, set in the Mediterranean landscape, provides an opportunity to connect with the heritage and passion of the estate. The visit lasts about an hour and includes options for kids with non-alcoholic beverages.
Experience type: Vineyard and cellar visit & tasting
Ideal for: couples, friends, families, groups
Food and wine pairing experience at Domaine de Mas Caron
This delightful experience at Domaine de Mas Caron in the Vaucluse region is a three-hour journey, set against the stunning backdrop of Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail. It includes a vineyard tour and a tasting of local dishes paired with the estate's wines, featuring specialties like oysters, pan-fried peppers, pâté with figs, and Brebis cheese (subject to seasonal availability) . The experience requires a minimum of 4 participants and includes 5 wine tastings, providing an immersive exploration of local gastronomy and wine.
Experience type
: Vineyard tour & tasting
Ideal for: couples, friends, and groups (4-10 people)
Cellar Visit & Organic Wine Tasting at Domaine de la Croix Blanche
At Domaine de la Croix Blanche, guests can enjoy a cellar visit and an organic wine tasting experience in the Ardèche region. The tour includes a guided walk through the cellar, revealing the winemaking process. Participants taste a selection of 7 wines, including whites, rosés, and reds, accompanied by local cold cuts and cheeses. The experience highlights wines like Coteaux de l'Ardèche and Côtes du Rhône. The tour is family-friendly, offering grape juice for children.
Experience type: Winery tour and tasting
Ideal for: Couples, families, friends, groups
Itineraries and Wine Tours
in the Rhône Valley
If you need some inspiration for your next trip or looking to adjust your current reservations in the Rhône Valley, check out our top 2 itineraries recommended by Winedering for the Rhône Valley wine region. The Winedering team has meticulously curated these tours to offer you an exceptional experience.
Tour #1: Full-Day Southern Rhône Wine Tour from Avignon
Embark on an enchanting full-day tour, visiting two wineries in the Southern Rhône Valley. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the region's winemaking traditions as you immerse yourself in scenic vineyards and master the art of wine tasting. By the end of the day, you'll have sampled 12 diverse wines, complemented by local delights.
/
10 am
At 9.30 am, depart from Avignon by car or private driver.
/
1 pm
After 1 pm, free time to have lunch and explore the area around, before departing to Domaine de la Croix Blanche.
/
7 pm
Arrival to
Domaine de la Croix Blanche
for a cellar visit and an organic wine tasting experience featuring 7 wines accompanied by local cold cuts and cheeses.
Duration: 1,5 hours
/
8 pm
Return to Avignon. Total duration: Around 10,5 hours.
Tour #2: Half-Day Southern Rhône Wine Tour from Avignon
Explore two wine appellations of the Southern Rhône on this captivating half-day tour, featuring a visit to a wine estate in Costières de Nîmes and a guided tasting session of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines in the heart of the wine village. Delight in tasting a total of 10 diverse wines and discover this privileged wine region.
/
10 am
Depart from Avignon by
car / personal driver.
/
12 pm
At noon, free time to walk around the village and have lunch, then transfer to Château Mourgues de Grès in the Costières de Nîmes .
/
3 pm
/
3.45 pm
Return to Avignon. Total duration: Around 6 hours.
Enjoy Wine Experiences in the Rhône Valley
With detailed itineraries and insider tips, your adventure through the Rhône Valley wine region will be both seamless and enriching.
Remember to take your time, enjoy the stunning views, and soak in the warm hospitality of the local winemakers and residents. Here's to many memorable wine experiences in the Rhône Valley, that you can easily book online on Winedering.com, the best online wine tourism marketplace worldwide.
Bon voyage and cheers to an unforgettable adventure in the Rhône Valley!