Why the Rhone Valley should on your list for 2026
The Rhone Valley is one of France’s most essential wine regions. Currently sitting as the country’s second-largest winemaking area, and with a history of production spanning over 2,000 years, the bottles coming out of the Rhone aren’t just exceptional, they’re accompanied by the captivating stories, culture and passion this region communicates so well.
For the curious traveller, it doesn’t get any better. Diverse terroir, breathtaking appellations, and a cultural immersion filled with ancient Roman amphitheatres, lavender fields and medieval villages that’ll soothe, restore and inspire as you’re swept along by the Mistral wind.
And producers are celebrating this all to great acclaim.
Looking to explore the Rhone Valley? Reach out to our team today to curate your trip.
What makes the Rhone Valley so unique
Being a region that produces more than 400 million bottles a year is not possible overnight. The region’s fame came from a celebrated history of 14th century religious figures making the area their homes, particularly Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
And each estate has its own story. From multi-generational family houses to historic négociants, the evolution has happened in real time. Take Maison Gabriel Meffre, crafting beautiful wines and becoming a vital négociant-éleveur for the region. Or the sustainable viticulture efforts that have led to shining beacons such as Domaine des Pasquiers or Domaine Les Aphillanthes who have been making wine under organic or biodynamic principles for years.
How does Rhone Valley wine taste?
Depending on where you source your Rhone Valley wine dictates the profile it will have.
You can taste the steepness of the granite hillsides in the spicy wines from the Northern Rhone, and appreciate the softer, fruitier blends born from the distinctive sun-baked galets roulés of the Southern Rhone, done with particular finesse at Lavau in Valréas or Château Redortier in Suzette.
But while the reds are more commonly drunk, the whites coming out of the region rival some of the best wines around. Our recommendation to kick start your palate? Grab a glass of white La Grande Ourse, AOC Cotes du Rhone Villages. You won’t regret it.
How to visit the Rhone Valley
From intimate cellar tastings and off the beaten track wineries to boutique stays, Winerist opens the door to the region’s finest experiences. Whether you want to explore a rising star in biodynamic winemaking or visit a powerhouse with large scale production, we tailor your trip to your taste, ensuring you walk away with a lasting, authentic connection to a region that holds so much beauty, history and passion.
Want to visit the Rhone Valley? Explore the region now or reach out to our team today to curate your trip.