Rhône Valley, France

The Rhône Valley is one of France’s most historic and celebrated wine regions, stretching along the Rhône River from just south of Lyon down to the Mediterranean near Avignon. It is often divided into two distinct areas: the Northern Rhône, where steep hillside vineyards produce powerful and complex wines from Syrah (along with small amounts of Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne), and the Southern Rhône, where sun-drenched plains and rolling hills are home to famous blends dominated by Grenache.

Wine has been made here since ancient times. The Greeks first introduced the vine in 600 BCE, followed by the Romans, who built terraces in the north and helped spread viticulture throughout the valley. Centuries later, the Catholic Church played a major role in reviving winemaking, most famously when the papal court moved to Avignon in the 14th century. The vineyards around the pope’s summer palace gave birth to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, today one of the Rhône’s most prestigious wines.

The Northern Rhône is home to iconic names like Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Cornas, and Condrieu. Here, Syrah produces dark, savoury wines with notes of spice, olive, and pepper, while Viognier makes some of France’s most distinctive whites.

The Southern Rhône is broader and more Mediterranean in feel, producing the majority of the region’s wines. Here blends of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and others thrive in the warm climate, yielding generous, fruit-driven wines. Châteauneuf-du-Pape leads the way, but villages like Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Lirac also offer outstanding wines.

Today, Rhône wines are celebrated worldwide for their history, variety, and character — from bold, structured reds to elegant whites and refreshing rosés.

Mas des Bressades

Founded in 1925 and today run by sixth-generation winemaker Cyril Marès, Mas des Bressades is one of the leading names in the Costières de Nîmes, the southernmost appellation of the Rhône Valley. The domaine sits on stony soils covered in the famous galets roulés (large rounded pebbles), which retain the warmth of the Mediterranean sun while giving freshness and balance to the wines. Known for both reds and whites of character, Mas des Bressades has built a reputation for wines that combine Rhône richness with elegance and drinkability.

The 2023 Costières de Nîmes Blanc is a vibrant, aromatic blend showcasing the estate’s white varieties. Made from Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Viognier and Marsanne, the wine is fermented at low temperatures to preserve freshness and aromatic lift. The result is a beautifully expressive white with notes of peach, apricot, citrus, and white flowers, balanced by lively acidity and a supple, rounded texture. It finishes fresh, with a touch of minerality that makes it as versatile at the table as it is refreshing on its own.

Domaine Usseglio 

Domaine Usseglio has been a proud family estate since 1948, when Francis Usseglio left Italy to settle in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Over the years, the domaine has grown under his son Pierre, and today Jean-Pierre and Thierry Usseglio manage 39 hectares of vineyards spread across the Rhône Valley.

While the family name is most closely linked with Châteauneuf-du-Pape, their Lirac wines offer some of the region’s best value and character. From 40–65-year-old vines, the reds here are full of energy and depth, balancing ripe fruit and spice with the freshness that makes Lirac so approachable. Yields remain low, harvesting is by hand, and the traditional winemaking approach gives the wines both power and elegance.

The 2022 Lirac Rouge comes from 40-year-old vines and is crafted with meticulous care. The harvest is fully destemmed, followed by a long fermentation of 20 to 30 days under temperature control. The wine is then aged for 12 months in concrete vats and demi-muids. The blend is dominated by Grenache (60%), which gives it an extraordinary breadth of flavour. Expect aromas of liquorice, black fruits, cherry, and spice, with dense yet refined tannins. On the palate it is both fresh and elegant, while its deep black robe with brilliant reflections hints at its intensity and finesse.

Domaine Santa Duc

Founded in 1874 and long regarded as a benchmark producer of Gigondas, Domaine Santa Duc is known for its respect for terroir and focus on organic and biodynamic practices. The estate draws from some of the finest parcels across the appellation, producing wines of depth, power, and elegance.

The 2021 Gigondas “Aux Lieux Dits” is a blend of eight different terroirs, each contributing nuance and character. Predominantly Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault, it offers notes of dark berries, spice, garrigue herbs, and a touch of earthiness. The palate is full and structured, yet refined, showing the elegance of the cooler 2021 vintage. A true expression of Gigondas, it balances richness with freshness and has the ability to age gracefully.

Domaine Combier

Domaine Combier has been family-run for three generations and is highly regarded for its meticulous work with Syrah in the Northern Rhône. Farming organically since the 1970s, the estate produces wines that are vibrant, pure, and expressive of place.

The 2023 Crozes-Hermitage “Cuvée L” is made entirely from Syrah, showcasing the grape’s perfumed, fruit-driven side. Bursting with aromas of red and black fruits, violets, and pepper, it is supple and approachable in style, with silky tannins and lively freshness. Crafted for early enjoyment, it is a perfect introduction to Northern Rhône Syrah, combining immediate charm with the typicity of Crozes-Hermitage.

Domaine Courbis

Domaine Courbis is one of the oldest names in Cornas, with roots dating back to the 16th century. Today, brothers Laurent and Dominique Courbis run the estate, producing bold and polished wines from steep granite slopes along the Rhône.

The 2022 Cornas “Champelrose” is 100% Syrah, offering a powerful yet elegant expression of this small, rugged appellation. The nose shows black fruits, violet, smoked meat, and spice, while the palate is dense and structured with fine, ripe tannins. Long and persistent, this Cornas is both approachable in its youth and capable of rewarding cellaring.

 Domaine Duclaux

Benjamin and David Duclaux craft some of the most refined wines in Côte-Rôtie, farming steep terraces in the southern part of the appellation. Their philosophy combines respect for tradition with precise vineyard work, resulting in wines of finesse and longevity.

The 2022 Côte-Rôtie “La Chana” is a Syrah-driven wine that highlights the elegance of the appellation’s southern terroirs. Aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, pepper, and floral notes mingle with hints of smoke and earth. The palate is supple and layered, with fine tannins and an enduring finish — a wine that captures the silkier, more aromatic side of Côte-Rôtie while retaining depth and power.

Domaine des Bernardins

Domaine des Bernardins is the historic reference for Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, having played a key role in establishing the appellation’s reputation. For five generations, the family has crafted sweet wines that combine intensity with freshness, making them some of the most celebrated fortified wines in France.

The 2023 Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise is made from Muscat à Petits Grains Blanc and Noir, picked at full ripeness to capture the grape’s aromatic intensity. With luscious notes of apricot, peach, citrus zest, and exotic flowers, it is sweet yet perfectly balanced by freshness and lift. Silky and vibrant, it pairs beautifully with fruit desserts, blue cheeses, or can simply be enjoyed chilled on its own.