Wine tasting rhone valley
Discover the depth and diversity of French wine with a wine tasting Rhône Valley experience. From bold reds to elegant whites, ViaVinum curates private tours through one of France’s most historic and flavorful regions.
From an oenological point of view, the Rhône Valley covers the South East of France, between the city of Vienne, to the north reaching Arles, already in the Mediterranean coast. It is an area located between the Alps and the Massif Central, in which the Rhône river acts as the backbone of an area where the terrain and climate have led to a characteristic way of producing wine.
Within the wide variety of French wines, the Rhône Valley (Côtes du Rhône) has been an area traditionally shadowed by the more renowned wine region of Burgundy, however, from the twentieth century this area has been reclaiming a leading role among the French wines.
In Viavinum we organize the best wine tours in the Rhône Valley, a special experience for enthusiasts and lovers of the world of wines that are planning a vacation in France.
Rhône Wine Tours
As far as wine routes go, there are many possibilities in the Rhône Valley, considering it has 73,000 hectares of vineyards in which to thoroughly enjoy French wine tourism.
With a production of more than 465 million bottles annually, the Rhône Valley has experienced increased popularity in the twentieth century.
In Viavinum we organize exclusive trips to show our clients the best wine routes in the Rhône Valley.
Do you want to organize your wine trip with us?
From the large variety of wines in this region, we point out the following:
Côte Rôtie
This denomination is given to the wine produced in the northernmost part of the Valley with an extension of little more than 247 acres of rough terrain, where the vine is cultivated in terraces. The Syrah variety is used for the production of this wine, although one fifth of the native white grape Viognier is also allowed.
Hermitage
Hermitage is located on the right side of the river and, according to legend, the knight Gaspard de Stérimberg began the cultivation of vineyards in this area in 1224. The result are red wines produced with the Syrah varieties, admitting up to 15% of the native white varieties Roussane or Marssane, which produces a long lasting wine.
Châteauneuf-Du-Pape
It receives this designation from Pope John XXII who initiated the cultivation of the grapevine in this region in the fourteenth century. Currently, about 7.400 acres are cultivated in 5 municipalities in which the wines’ character appears to be strongly marked by sandy and clay based soils, with large pebbles swept by the river that act as thermo regulators.
Activities in your wine trip through the Rhône Valley with Viavinum
Today, the activities offered to the traveler interested in making their visit to the Rhône Valley memorable have notably increased.
The Rhône Valley offers the traveler special possibilities and a combination of tourism activities with wine-centered activities.
In Viavinum we organize different activities during your wine tourism trip through the Rhône Valley:
- Visits to many wineries of the region.
- Food and wine tastings.
- Special excursions around the vineyards.
- Learn about wine production.
- Outdoor activities, vineyards, nature and remarkable scenery.
- Architecture, landscapes and wine.
In the region you will find restaurants run by prestigious chefs, like the incomparable Paul Bocuse in Lyon. Also you can discover the Palais des Papes in Avignon, one of the biggest and most prestigious medieval gothic buildings of Europe, as well as the capital of the Rhone Valley and Lyon, the third largest city in France and gastronomic capital, with its Renaissance neighborhood and its modern architecture.
Enjoy the best wine routes through the different areas of the French region accompanied by an expert guide. In addition, our trips are suitable for groups, families or couples.
Organize your trip with us and discover the secrets of the Rhone Valley
What is the best wine in the Rhône Valley?
The Rhône Valley produces a wide range of outstanding wines, but Châteauneuf-du-Pape stands out as its most iconic and highly regarded label. Known for its bold, complex reds made primarily from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, this appellation offers rich, full-bodied wines with aging potential. For white wine lovers, Condrieu, made from Viognier, is equally prestigious. A proper wine tasting Rhône Valley experience will showcase both the diversity and depth of these world-class wines.
What is the difference between Burgundy and Rhône wines?
Burgundy wines are typically single-varietal: Pinot Noir for reds and Chardonnay for whites, offering elegance, minerality, and finesse. In contrast, Rhône wines often use blends; Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre dominate in the south, while Syrah leads in the north. Rhône wines tend to be fuller, spicier, and fruit-forward. Both regions are pillars of French wine, but they offer distinctly different wine tasting experiences in terms of terroir, varietals, and style.
What is Rhône Valley famous for?
The Rhône Valley is globally renowned for its rich red wines, particularly Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côte-Rôtie, and Hermitage. It’s also celebrated for white wines like Condrieu and Saint-Péray. The region’s fame comes from its diversity of terroirs, ancient winemaking traditions, and a perfect climate for grape growing. It’s a top destination for anyone interested in wine tasting in France, offering a perfect mix of culture, history, and exceptional wine.
Is Beaujolais in the Rhône Valley?
Beaujolais is geographically located between Burgundy and the northern Rhône Valley, but it is administratively part of the Burgundy region. While often associated with Rhône due to proximity, its wines; made primarily from Gamay grapes; have a distinct identity. Beaujolais offers light, fruity reds and is best known for Beaujolais Nouveau. It’s not technically Rhône, but it’s a great addition to any wine tasting tour in France.
What wine is in the Rhône Villages?
The Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation features wines from selected villages in the southern Rhône Valley. These wines are a step up in quality from basic Côtes du Rhône, often made with Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Each village may also appear on the label (e.g., Cairanne, Séguret, Rasteau), offering distinct character and terroir. These wines are excellent value and a must-try during a wine tasting Rhône Valley experience.