France’s Rhône Valley is the stuff that wine-fueled dreams are made of. World-class wineries are nestled between sun-drenched vineyards, stunningly beautiful countryside, historic villages, and a patchwork of lavender fields and ancient olive groves. Add some of the world’s most exquisite wine to the mix, and the result is pure magic for any vino lover.
Now, there is one downside to visiting the Rhône Valley: this region is home to 14 distinct wine routes and hundreds of wineries, and sadly, it’s impossible to see every vineyard in one go. You can, however, get a taste for the best of this region with our recommendations below.
Ready to ignite your oenophilia and wanderlust? Here are some of the best wineries to visit along the Rhône.
- M. Chapoutier
- Paul Jaboulet Aîné
- E. Guigal
- Château de Beaucastel
- Château Mont-Rédon
- Château d’Aquéria
- Château de Saint Cosme
- Domaine du Pégau
- Domaine Paul Autard
- Domaine Belle
The Rhône Valley in a nutshell
Spanning from Lyon to just north of Orange, and passing through picturesque regions like Provence, the Rhône Valley is the second-largest wine-growing region in France. The area flanks the Rhône River and is divided into two main regions: Northern Rhône (which is characterised by steep, terraced hillsides) and Southern Rhône (where the landscape is much flatter). Both regions produce different styles of wine due to variations in climate, soil, and grape varietals.
Northern Rhône produces only a handful of grape varietals (mostly Syrah and Viognier), while the southern Rhône Valley is famous for its array of red and white blends made from grapes like Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Marsanne.
The best wineries to visit along the Rhône
1. M. Chapoutier
- Region: Northern Rhône
- Appellation: Hermitage
- Best known for: Biodynamic and single vineyard wines
With family history in the Rhône dating back to 1808, M. Chapoutier is one of the oldest and most recognised producers in the Rhône Valley. You’ll find an outstanding selection of classic reds and whites here, but M. Chapoutier’s single vineyard selections are the winery’s true showstoppers.
2. Paul Jaboulet Aîné
- Region: Northern Rhône
- Appellation: Hermitage
- Best known for: Producing one of the best Syrahs in the world
Paul Jaboulet Aîné was the Rhône’s dominant producer for most of the second half of the 20th century, and despite a period of instability and uncertainty in the early 2000s, this trailblazing winery still stands as one of the most important estates in the region. The winery has accrued an enviable portfolio over the years, but Jaboulet’s most famous bottling is Hermitage La Chapelle, one of the finest and most iconic Syrahs ever made.
3. E. Guigal
- Region: Northern Rhône
- Appellation: Côte-Rôtie
- Best known for: Renowned single vineyard wines
Situated on the banks of the Rhône in the heart of the Côte-Rôtie appellation, Guigal makes more wine than any other producer in Northern Rhône. The winery’s superb portfolio offers a range of red, white, and rosé wine from the northern and southern Rhône appellations, but its most coveted bottlings — including La Landonne, La Turque, and La Mouline — are all from Côte-Rôtie. If you stop at this property for a tour, be prepared to be blown away: the winery’s Renaissance-style château is mind-bogglingly beautiful, surrounded by sprawling gardens and hillside vineyards.
4. Château de Beaucastel
- Region: Northern Rhône
- Appellation: Côte-Rôtie
- Best known for: A top-quality portfolio that includes all 13 grape varietals allowed by AOC law
Château de Beaucastel is Southern Rhône’s flagship producer and one of the most revered wineries in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. You’ll find some of the most sought-after wines in the Rhône Valley here, from a classic southern Rhône blend that’s made with Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, along with lesser-known Counoise and Cinsaut varieties.
5. Château Mont-Rédon
- Region: Southern Rhône
- Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Best known for: Producing some of the greatest Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines
Château Mont-Rédon is one of the Rhône’s most impressive wineries for several reasons: it’s the largest single-estate vineyard in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, the winery owns more than 200 acres of vineyards, and the first vines found at this estate date back to Roman times. All harvesting is done by hand here, but once the grapes reach the winery’s cellars, they’re sorted using the latest state-of-the-art technology — including computer imaging — to ensure maximum quality and flavour.
6. Château d’Aquéria
- Region: Southern Rhône
- Appellation: Tavel
- Best known for: Elegant rosés
Located in Tavel — a tiny appellation that’s renowned for producing some of the greatest rosés in the world — Château d’Aquéria’s lengthy and fascinating history dates back to 1595, when Louis Joseph d’Aqueria purchased a plot of land from monks in the medieval village of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. If you visit this winery, be sure to explore the property’s magnificent gardens, which were reportedly designed by a disciple of André Lenotre, gardener to King Louis XIV.
7. Château de Saint Cosme
- Region: Southern Rhône
- Appellation: Gigondas
- Best known for: A range of diverse wines influenced by biodynamic principles
Château de Saint Cosme is a leading estate in the Gigondas appellation, a region defined by its full, earthy, and aromatic red wines. This estate has been in the hands of Louis Barruol’s family since 1570, and Saint Cosme was one of the first wineries in the area to employ biodynamic wine-making methods. From the fruity to the bold and complex, there’s a flavour for every palate in their diverse wine portfolio.
8. Domaine du Pégau
- Region: Southern Rhône
- Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Best known for: Rich and robust modern-style Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines
The Féraud family of Domaine du Pégau are passionate about using the most traditional style of wine-making at their estate. Here, the grapes are harvested by hand and then fermented without being de-stemmed. This old-fashioned production process — coupled with the winery’s centuries-old vines and smaller yields — allows them to select the very best grapes and consistently make highly coveted, top-quality wines.
9. Domaine Paul Autard
- Region: Southern Rhône
- Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Best known for: Classically balanced wines
The history of Domaine Paul Autard dates back as far as 1924, but the winery as we know it today began in 2005, when Jean Paul Autard took over the estate. Autard’s unique winemaking style — which results in classically balanced wines — has earned him international accolades and a loyal following from sommeliers around the world.
10. Domaine Belle
- Region: Northern Rhône
- Appellation: Crozes-Hermitage
- Best known for: Traditionally crafted Syrahs
This winery’s humble beginnings are tied to the 1930s, when the Belle family started selling their harvest to local cooperatives. Today, Domaine Belle spans over six communes and three appellations, encompassing 25 hectares of vines. If you’re a fan of clean, fresh, and elegant reds, this estate should be at the top of your list.
Want to taste your way through the Rhône Valley or one of France’s other spectacular wine regions? Explore our range of wine tasting tours and trips in France to find your perfect wine-fueled holiday.
