In Roman times, the wines of the Rhône were considered the best in France but poor transport links limited exports for centuries. Today the Rhône sits alongside Bordeaux and Burgundy as one of the top great French red wine regions. Read more

The steep Northern Rhône produces far less wine than the flatter, broader southern Rhône but the quality is very high. The principal grape is the red Syrah and the wines are typically dense, weighty and concentrated. Its most famous appellations are Cote-Rotie and Hermitage. Alongside, two larger appellations, St.-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage have the potential for first-rate wines and at slightly lower prices. You also find some fine whites, most famously the pure, peach-scented Viogniers of Condrieu.