In northern Rhône, Syrah dominates. In southern Rhône, everything is much more Provençal and Mediterranean. Here, grenache is the main grape, but many other grapes are also grown. Some of the most famous names in the Rhone Valley are in the northern part, Côte Rôtie and Hermitage, but it is in the southern part where they make the most wine. 90% of all wine is made in southern Rhône.
The biggest appellation is of course Côtes du Rhône. In the past, it was generally thought that most of it was quite simple wines that you drank by the glass in cafes. Today the situation is very different. There are plenty of highly ambitious producers who make outstanding wines in this “simple” appellation. A must to explore!
But a wine tour to the Rhone Valley includes, of course, a little bit of everything, some of the most famous producers, for example, the world famous Châteauneuf du Pape, as well as some of the very best producers in other regions as well. Part of the joy of a wine tour is to discover something new (why travel far and only look for things you are familiar with?) and find producers who make outstanding wines without (yet?) being world famous.
In addition, you will get both delicious French gastronomy, beautiful views and historical monuments.
Here are some comments from wine travellers who have been with us on a food and wine tour experience in the Rhone Valley.
On the wine tour to the Rhone Valley:
This was our first wine tour and it was a very nice experience. We learned a lot about the region, the grapes, the wine production and wine-making in a very nice and relaxed sort of way. Visiting the vineyards was very interesting. We met with wineries / owners who passionately described their wines and their philosophy. It was also interesting to try everything from “simple” to the most “complex” wines.
The lunches were amazing, where wine and food combined to amazing experiences. Even the places we visited, like the Vaudieu chateau, or at the McKinleys’ home, were wonderful. The lunch at the cooperative in Beaumes de Venise was gastronomically outstanding and the best.
Thank you for a memorable trip where everything worked perfectly and we were well taken care of by Per.
— Jonny & Marianne
On the wine tour to the Rhone Valley:
Thank you for a well-planned tour with Per. The visits were very interesting (although I totally disagree with the biodynamic theory) (*). The lunches were superb with truffles, duck foie gras and many other French specialities The weather was perfect with sun and warm temperatures. The afternoon visits were perfectly planned after a long lunch. The free evening also contributed to the perfect planning.
— Harry H
(*) Some of the wineries that were on the program worked biodynamically.
Here you can read even more reviews about what our travellers think about our wine tours.
If you are interested in discovering the Rhone Valley, the wine region, the exciting wines, the amazingly good food, then you should come on a wine tour to the Rhone Valley with us at BKWine!
