Côtes du Rhône...History, People and Wines The Romantic Countryside Destination Some Côtes du...

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Côtes du RhôneLive the Experience

Contents

Editorial Map of the Vineyards

Exploring the 9 Wine Trails

The Festive Destination Unmissable Events in the Côtes du Rhône

The Active Destination Fly, sail, cycle, walk…

The Gourmet Destination Flavours of the Vineyard

The Cultural Destination History, People and Wines

The Romantic Countryside Destination

Some Côtes du Rhône Favourites

The Côtes Du Rhône Aims and Ambitions

Contacts

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EditorialAuthentic yet enigmatic; festive and full of contrasts; there are many different sides to the côtes du rhône vineyards. this is France’s second largest winegrowing area, brimming with flavours and full of hidden trea-sures. wine estates, museums, undulating footpaths, award-winning villages, breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable cultural icons line the region’s 9 wine trails.

Excellent tourism potential, driven by a vibrant, future- facing industry and illustrated by the measures we take to ensure a warm welcome for all and to protect the landscape and environment (see p. 18-22).

Although just a few hours from Paris, life in the Côtes du Rhône is lived in the slow lane, at a leisurely pace just perfect for discovering the secret nooks and crannies of this major tourist region. Our vineyards are easily accessed from Lyon and Marseilles; you can watch them appear alongside the river as you make your way along the ViaRhôna or Route Nationale 7.

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Rhô

ne

Rhône

Duché d’Uzès

Appellation categories

Rhône Valley AOC appellation area

Côtes du Rhône appellation area Area covering 171 communes in 6 diffe-rent departments: Ardèche, Drôme, Gard, Loire, Rhône and Vaucluse

16 Côtes du Rhône Crus Northern Crus: 8 - Southern Crus: 8

2 Vins Doux Naturels (Natural sweet wines)

Côtes du Rhône Villages Area covering 95 towns including the 18 geographical names mentioned on the label.

Main cities

www.vins-rhone.com is the go-to guide for visitors. Here, you can tailor-make your own wine-trail itinerary according to your own personal interests. All activities involving exploration of the Côtes du Rhône terroirs and vineyards are indexed and sorted for our “oeno-tourists” to peruse at their leisure, depending on mood. They are listed under the headings of: festive, active, gourmet and intriguing”.

A Programme around the Côtes du Rhône’s 9 Wine Trails

Wine enthusiasts can explore the 9 wine trails designed by Inter Rhône, with an opportunity to experience the different terroirs and lifestyles of the Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages. From the gateway of the Camargue, through Provence and up towards Lyon, the routes lead visitors across 6 départements, (the Drôme, the Gard, the Ardèche, Vaucluse, the Loire and the Rhône) teaching them about both culture and viticulture along the way. There are cellar visits to be made, as well as a host of other activities. Each of the routes is clearly co-lour-coded and signposted.


The Northernmost VineyardsFrom Vienne to Valence, Wine Route 1 wends its way through the heart of the northernmost vineyards. All those years ago as the River Rhône shaped the Rhône Corridor, it formed a unique set of features, illustrated by the legendary hill at L’ Hermitage. The craggy, rugged landscapes feature vines clinging to its steep slopes, making an impressive, majestic sight.

Drôme ProvençaleFurther south, Route 2 features undulating, full-size picture-postcard views across vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields. Magnificent villages such as Rousset-les-Vignes and Saint-Pantaléon-les-Vignes line up to be admired, alongside numerous mediaeval châteaux, testament to a rich and varied past.

The EnclaveThe Enclave is something of an administrative anomaly, comprising four communes of the Vaucluse, but within the Drôme département. It is home to an array of magnificent heritage villages, and offers plenty of opportunity to taste Côtes du Rhône Villages Visan and Valréas wines. Route 3 also hides another jewel in its crown: the truffle, along with an iconic truffle market in the erstwhile Templar town of Richerenches.

Vineyards of the ArdècheRoute 4 is the most untamed of the Wine Trails, known for its unusual views over the vineyards and its unchanged natural landscapes. This is the destination of choice for the active visitor, offering caving, vineyard walks, climbing, kayaking, canoeing down the Gorges de l’Ardèche…

From Orange to Vaison la RomaineRoute 5 criss-crosses the Côtes du Rhône villages of Cairanne, Roaix, Puyméras, Plan de Dieu and Massif d’Uchaux. Welcome to the grandeur of the Roman era! The Arc de Triomphe in Orange leads you into the gates of the town, while the magnificent amphitheatre rivals that of Vaison la Romaine.

From Pont Saint Esprit to Saint Victor la CosteIn the Gard département along the right bank of the River Rhône, Route 6 follows the valley of the Cèze, taking in the Côtes du Rhône villages of Chusclan, Laudun and Saint Gervais. The landscapes feature a combination of garrigue and vineyards, together with hilltop villages and some notable historical sites.

Around the Dentelles de MontmirailAlong Route 7, we can admire the vineyard landscape interwoven with picturesque villages such as Séguret, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, and whose elegance is matched only by the quality of its unforgettable vineyards. Fine beds of limestone have been carved into shape by erosion, and are now home to a plethora of vineyards, orchards and hillsides, making the perfect backdrop for a delightful wine-tasting session. With suitable rock faces both to north and south, the Dentelles de Montmirail are a paradise for climbers all year round.

Around AvignonAs the capital of the Côtes du Rhône and the food capital of Provence, Avignon boasts an illustrious history which has led to its inclusion as a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is a major spiritual, political, economic and cultural centre, and still retains its hallmark as one of the greatest and most beautiful examples of the Gothic style in all of Europe. Make time to visit the unique new showcase for wine tourism in the famous Palais des Papes in Avignon - due to open in 2015.

From Roquemaure to RemoulinsTo the west of Avignon, Route 9 takes visitors through the vineyards of the Gard: Ville-neuve-Lez-Avignon, across from the City of the Popes, then Lirac and Tavel with their famous crus, and finally Roquemaure, birthplace of the Côtes du Rhône. Walkers should be sure to stop at the Pont du Gard to admire this masterpiece of Roman architecture, which has withstood the tests of time to an impressive degree. This trail is steeped in the history of the Camargue.


The Festive Destination

The Côtes du Rhône celebrate their own festival in July

The Côtes du Rhône – long-standing partner of the Avignon Festival Every year, the Avignon Festival hosts over 1,200 different performances, including drama, dance, visual arts and music. The city of Avignon becomes a full-scale theatre with an audience of 40,000 enthusiastic spectators strolling through the city’s winding lanes. Between 7 and 11pm, enjoy a glass of Côtes du Rhône or Côtes du Rhône Villages in the friendly atmosphere of Côtes du Rhône pop-up bar in the Maison des Vins. A sommelier guides guests through his personal selection, whilst winemakers are on hand to share their insights and expertise.

Pomp and Circumstance - The Start of Harvest in Avignon: August

The Ban des Vendanges is a celebration to announce that the grapes are ripe and harvests can begin: the perfect excuse for a party full of colour and music, with grand parades featuring the Compagnons des Côtes du Rhône and other traditional Côtes de Rhône wine fraternities.The programme includes performances, games and entertainment in the spectacular parkland at Rocher des Doms and the Clos de la Vigne du Palais des Papes, a typically Provençal exhibition/event and open-to-all tasting of Côtes du Rhône wines with a gourmet market featuring local products, followed by a free concert in the evening.

An Ovation for the New Harvest in November

Millevin introduces Côtes du Rhône wines and the new vintage to great fanfare in Avignon, to an audience of vignerons, négociants, fraternities and other fun-loving enthusiasts. A colourful, festive programme with good food and good wine – all in a magical setting.

Unmissable Eventsin the Côtes du Rhône

In the Côtes du Rhône, any event is an excuse to party. With 380 festive celebrations scheduled throughout the year, the region’s event diary is full to bursting. There are theatre and music festivals, gourmet walks, sporting events and open-air tasting sessions… The Côtes du Rhône is transformed into a giant open-air concert hall, full of heady, delicious scents and rousing music. Dionysus, god of grapes, wine and theatre, graciously presides over all these landmark events.

Avignon’s 3 major festive events


May: The Vineyard does as it likes

Here in the Côtes du Rhône, the Fête de la vigne et du vin (Festival of Vine and Wine) is an open day on a grand scale for cellars and vineyards throughout the region, and is held on the first Saturday following Ascension Day. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and visitors are invited to participate in a variety of activities including table presentation workshops, country-style meals, walks, donkey rides, cellar visits and tastings, concerts etc. The festival draws in all members of the wine industry including private and co-operative cellars, wine merchants, oenologists, sommeliers and professional associations, plus a range of local artisan producers showcasing their local products based around a common theme.

October: The Harvests of Yesteryear in Chusclan

For one weekend only, the village will be revisiting old times – visitors will be transported back to the everyday goings-on in the Chusclan of the last century, to celebrate the savoir-faire, activities and traditions of times gone by. Côtes du Rhône wines have pride of place, and are available to taste at the many stalls lining the route, served by vignerons in costume. Discover the different cuvées of the Côtes du Rhône Villages Chusclan appellation, all themed around history.

JulyFestival d’Avignon: pop-up bar at the Maison des Vins, Avignon

All SummerMusic in the Vineyard: all areas

July - AugustLiszt in Provence

August - SeptBan des Vendanges, Avignon

OctoberHarvests of Yesteryear, Chusclan

NovemberMillevin, Avignon

AprilFrom farm to farm Vigneron picnic

MayFestival of Vine and Wine – Rhône Valley

Vineyard events at a glance…

It’s all happening in the vineyard


In the Footsteps of the Popes - ValréasA 12 km walking trail from the town centre in Valréas. Walk along the perimeter of the Enclave des Papes - the erstwhile papal properties - marked out by stones carved with one or more coats of arms. The route boasts magnificent views over Mont Ventoux, the Dentelles de Montmirail and the Montagne de la Lance.

Family-friendly vineyard walks in Laudun and ChusclanStarting from the cellars at Laudun and Chusclan, visitors can choose from a series of educational itineraries across a network of vineyard paths. “Vines and the Senses” (Chusclan) takes the walker up to Château de Gicon, a mediaeval fortress overlooking the vineyards and restored by local vignerons; “The Vineyards through Time” (Camp de César in Laudun) uncovers a plethora of historical remains, while the “Vineyard Animals” trail with its 10 information points will appeal to younger visitors. This walk finishes with a delightful tasting session at the co-operative cellar.

St Pantaléon les VignesYou’ll need to set aside 3 hours for the 7 km

“footpath through the terroirs” trail coupled with its own tasting session featuring a delightful selection of wines, specially chosen to showcase the expressive range of terroirs to which the Drôme Provençale is home.

Domaine de la Croix-Blanche in Saint-Martin d’Ardèche

A 3 km walking trail across the sunny slopes of the Côtes du Rhône. This Domaine has passed down from generation to generation, keeping faith with its family traditions and savoir-faire. In terms of entertainment and activity, the estate takes part in a “farm to Farm” event every April, and also organises gourmet open days at the end of November and beginning of December. These are an ideal opportunity to sample the range of Côtes du Rhône wines made here across all three colours: red, white and rosé.

Fly, sail, cycle, walk…While some visitors while away their côtes du rhone days relaxing and enjoying the good life, others prefer to pull on their trainers and race around the area, sampling the many sporting activities on offer. With hundreds of kilometres of walking trails, golf courses, water activities and caves, this is an activity-lover’s paradise, and a new way to experience wine culture – high-octane sports and a chance to soar…

Wine Estates and Cellars…

The active destination


A Family-Friendly Walk - The Wine Trail at Sainte-CécileDeparting from Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes, the Chemin de Vigne is a wine trail offering 14km of footpaths through the vineyards – an excellent way to discover the distinctive fauna and flora of Aygues. The Aygues Ouvèze bike trail has been mapped out in conjunction with the Haut Vaucluse Tourism Development Agency, and includes cycle routes for everyone to enjoy. Perfect for a family bike ride through some delightful scenery, with stops along the way – at Sainte-Cécile

les Vignes for example, to view the Louis Gauthier collection, or to visit the Naturoptère nature project at Sérignan du Comtat.

Discover the Hermitage Vineyards with La Cave de TainLa Cave de Tain invites visitors on a walking trail departing from the Wine Shop and leading through the Hermitage vineyards “in the steps of Gambert.” The walk is divided into 11 sections, and showcases the geology of Hermitage, its terraced vineyards, varietals and terroir. The

trail lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 mins, and leads walkers along 4 kms of footpaths through stunning landscapes. This is an itinerary to teach and inspire, across a prestigious, world-famous region.

Cave les Coteaux de VisanThere are 13 km of delightful trails through the vineyards of this astounding terroir, with its south-facing slopes of chalky clay and pebbles; perfect for walking, cycling or mountain-biking. After your trail, take the time to admire the unique cellar carved into the safre rock.

Take to the water

Invite your friends to a cruise - with a differenceGather your friends and climb aboard for a cruise of the vineyards – to the sounds of the disco! A unique way to see the sights of Avignon, capital of the Côtes du Rhône: the famous bridge, the Palais des Papes, the Rocher des Doms… After passing through the lock, continue on to the pretty little town of Roquemaure, birthplace of the appellation – and then dance away to the disco beat until you’re back on dry land.

Thrill to a canoe ride down the Gorges de l’ArdècheCanoeing down the Gorges de l’Ardèche is a popular summertime activity: a thrilling adventure, forged by water, nature and the sun at the heart of the protected nature reserve. After the Pont d’Arc - a breath-taking natural arch some 60 m in height - your descent follows a canyon lined with cliffs and caves to either side. And with trails of 8km, 12km, 24km, 32 km and 37 km, there is something for everyone.The Cave of Saint Marcel d’Ardèche is open to visitors from March to November, and features underground rivers, pools, waterfalls and immense open spaces – a mix of geology, archaeology and caving to astound and delight the active visitor.

Discover a Unique Underground Space Underground rivers, cascading water basins, soaring cathedrals…the caves at Grotte de Saint Marcel are open to visitors from March to September. This is where geology, archaeology and speleology meet – a mysterious spot full of secrets to pass on to the dedicated explorer. More inquisitive visitors will want to make their way to the heart of Grotte de St Marcel, classed as a natural heritage site of the Gorges de L’Ardèche; a handful of Ardèche winemakers have set up a space here for ageing their wines, seeing this as the perfect opportunity to showcase the advantages of aging wine in such ideal conditions. The cave is almost 80 metres underground and set in Urgonian limestone, the bed of an ancient fossil river (the Ardèche), and wines are symbiotically matured in a naturally organic environment. They are in constant contact with the terroir’s clay soils, deposited by nature, in a consistently humid atmosphere (86%) at a constant temperature of 13°C, and in complete darkness.

Escapado: The go-to guide for vineyard explorers. Choose your theme – wine in this case - and hey presto, a number of different routes for walkers, cyclists and drivers will appear. Don’t miss the new geo-caching activity starting at Vaison la Romaine; this is a game where one player hides a “treasure,” then publishes GPS co-ordinates, encouraging other players to hunt the treasure using their own GPS. A fun way to discover the hidden corners of the Côtes du Rhône.

Take to the air above the Côtes du Rhône vineyards:The Cellier des Chartreux at Pujaut offers a unique adventure: explore 570 hectares of vines from a glider, or motor glider, in the company of an experienced pilot. What a fantastic way to see the Rhône, soaring above the magnificent vineyards of Mont Ventoux, Avignon and Villeneuve-Lez-Avignon …And once you’re back on terra firma, experience a different kind of splendour as the Cellier des Chartreux share the beauty of their wines with you in a Côtes du Rhône tasting.

See these activities on our website: vins-rhone.comClick on “Routes des Vins/Active”


A Winter Treat: Truffles and Côtes du Rhône WinesTruffles can partner any food to perfection: macarons, chocolate – even hamburgers. But nothing is as natural a fit for these “black pearls” as a Côtes du Rhône wine. Try it for yourself on the Enclave des Riverenches wine trail in November, by joining the “Ban des Truffes” celebrations. At Domaine du Val des Rois, Emmanueland Erika are ready to welcome you to their table to sample truffles and regional specialities served alongside the estate’s own wines. Meals feature truffles from Richerenches and other local produce; your hosts will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can even see a demonstration of truffle hunting (cavage). Truffle season is December – March.

For Enquiring Minds: Côtes du Rhône wines are showcased at the Maison des Vins in AvignonMake a stop at the Maison des Vins, at the very heart of Avignon, to learn about pairing foods with different Côtes du Rhône wines. Featured foods: foie gras, figs and heritage vegetables.

For the Bon Viveur: A unique wine workshop at Maison Lavau in Violes - available all yearVisitors will enjoy creating their “perfect wine” – and in doing so, discover the typical characteristics of the Côtes du Rhône varietals. They are then welcome to take their own blend home. Our sweet-toothed gourmets might also like the “Côtes du Rhône and Nougat” pairing workshop.

For Vine and Wine Enthusiasts: Picnic at Domaine de la Remejeanne in SabranIn June, the Domaine organises a guided walk taking in all aspects of the vineyard, including its history, its fauna and its flora. This is followed by wine-tasting in the cellars, after which the vignerons invite visitors to join them in a picnic featuring authentic foods made with ingredients from their kitchen garden. A simple, friendly occasion, made for sharing.

For the Connoisseur: Tasting a Flight of Château d’Hugues WinesThe vineyards of Château d’Hugues are located at the heart of the southern Côtes du Rhône, planted on the hillsides of the Massif d’Uchaux where they grow alongside oaks, pines and junipers in their own unique microclimate. This gives the terroir a range of distinctive characteristics, expressed through 17 different cuvees and 25 vintages. The Château offers horizontal and vertical tastings of all these wines, but also a “diagonal” version, which consists of tasting a range of 5 wines from different vintages – but all with a single common denominator such as tannic structure or elegance. These are served alongside 5 mini-dishes specially chosen by our partner chef.

Flavours of the Vineyard

The Avignon Gourmet Tour is an exciting new way to discover the city. Visit Les Halles, (covered market), and sample a variety of local products from artisan shops and outlets along with a selection of the region’s wines – all in a friendly, welcoming environment.

Avignon, capital of the cotes du rhone, boasts not only a unique cultural heritage, but is

also the symbol of a rich gastronomic tradition.

Apprentice Gourmet?

The Gourmet Destination

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A gourmet trail taking in 4 Domaines in ValréasEvery Thursday from June 1st to harvestVisitors can join this wine trail in Valréas, visiting Domaine du Val des Rois, Domaine de Mas de Sainte Croix and Domaine des Grands Devers, meeting the producers and discovering the wines. On the menu: a series of unique themed meals with a potted history of the lives of the producers. An authentic, fun and friendly occasion.

June: A Musical Trail from Plan de Dieu to TravaillanGourmet trail through the heart of the Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu appellation. One item from the menu can be enjoyed at each stop, with musical entertainment in the wine cellars.

Spring/Summer Gourmet Trails in CairanneStarting in March: “The Vigneron’s Table” at Domaine ArmandA day for getting to know the vignerons, a day for learning, a day for activities in the open air…the programme includes a visit to the vineyard (on foot), a beginner’s guide to wine-tasting and a stroll around the traditional village of Cairanne. From April, the Domaine also offers a blending workshop for

beginners and experienced blenders alike, including a guide to tasting, a tour of the winery and a chance to create your own

special cuvée.Open air entertainment, starting in

AugustAs night falls, Cairanne’s vignerons become

vineyard guides, leading visitors along a magical vineyard trail incorporating musical entertainment and theatre performance. Stops are made to sample some of the region’s deliciously typical food/wine pairings, and a delightful dinner dance rounds off the evening.

Guest Rooms and Table d’Hôte at Dieulefit

Domaine Dieulefit is a 100% organic wine estate in Visan, with 5 guest rooms boasting

spectacular views of Mont Ventoux; the estate grounds feature trees that are hundreds of years old. Owner Géraldine’s menu of “slow-food” changes according to what has been gathered that day, and is based on home-grown fresh heritage fruit and vegetables and other home-produced or local organic products. Fine, flavoursome Provençale food!

View our wine-related activities on vins-rhone.com Click on routes des vins / gourmande and then “déguster”

Wine-tasting Walks through the vineyards

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• La Charterhouse at l’ Hermitage• Château de Tournon• The Charterhouse at Valbonne, Vallée de la Cèze• Le Camp de César at Laudun

• 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites• Avignon: Pont Saint-Bénezet and the Palais des Papes• Orange: Ancient theatre and Arc de Triomphe• Remoulin: Pont du Gard• Grotte Chauvet

Did you know?The Vigne des Papes is the only AOC vineyard located within city limits. Its upkeep is the responsibility of the Compagnons des Côtes

du Rhône, for whom every stage in the vine’s development is an occasion to celebrate! This is

certainly the case at pruning time in March and the Ban de Vendanges in September, a major festive event marking the start of harvest.

Contrary to the words of the popular song, dancing in Avignon did not take place on the bridge, but under it – notably at the many dance cafés on the Ile de la Barthelasse in the 19th century.

14th CenturyFrom their residence in Avignon, the Popes look to the local vineyards for their wine needs. John XII builds the château at Châteauneuf du Pape, while Benedict XII orders work to begin on the Palais des Papes.

17th Century“Côte du Rhône” is the name given to an administrative region in the Viguerie d’Uzès (Gard), whose wines are renowned. A regulation is introduced in 1650 to protect their provenance and authenticity and to guarantee quality.

18th CenturyRoquemaure is historically the birthplace of Côtes du Rhône. The barrels leaving this little port on the Rhône were engraved with the letters CDR (Coste du Rhône), along with the year of vintage and harvest location.

19th CenturyCôte du Rhône becomes Côtes du Rhône, having reached over and encompassed the vineyards on the left bank of the Rhône.

20th CenturyAt the instigation of Baron Le Roy, the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée Côtes du Rhône becomes a recognised entity.

Between History and HeritageThe Côtes du Rhône enjoy a privileged location between the mediterranean and northern europe. When the ancient greeks settled here, they brought with them a culture of vine and wine, which continued to thrive under the rule of the romans who arrived in 125 bc. Avignon, the capital of the Côtes du Rhône, is noted for being the seat of the papacy from the 14th century. For more than 100 years, 9 popes were resident here, from Clement V to Benedict XIII, and made their mark on the development of the vineyards. Here are some of the “unmissables”.

Historical Treasures

Key Dates

The Cultural Destination


The Château museum and University of Suze-la-RousseThe Château Museum of Suze-la-Rousse stands proudly on a rocky promontory against a backdrop of lush greenery. This mediaeval fortress is classed as one of the historic monuments of the Côtes du Rhône region. Since 1978, part of the château has been home to the Wine University, a professional educational facility dedicated to wine and winegrowing, with courses covering all aspects of vine and wine The University also runs activities aimed at boosting wine intelligence among the general public.

Néovinum in RuomsSo much more than just a tasting facility or wine museum, Néovinum is a vast space devoted to learning about wines and is the brainchild of the vignerons of the Ardèche. Visits are

designed around an itinerary which takes the visitor from tasting right through to sales.

Wine Museum at Maison BrotteThe museum section of the Maison Brotte cellar houses a vast collection of winemaking tools, alongside other unusual pieces including a 4,000 litre cask in chestnut wood dating from the 14th century, and a 16th century wooden wine press over 2m high. Cellar visits and tasting available.

Find out more…

Côtes du Rhône and the most beautiful villages in France

Everywhere you look, there are charming little villages just waiting to be admired, some of which are listed as members of the Most beautiful Villages in France. It’s a pleasure to stroll along the village lanes and see the historic houses, with breathtaking landscapes as a backdrop. These villages really shouldn’t be missed…

Séguret, VaucluseThis little village perched on the side of a hill overlooks a vast expanse of vineyard-covered plain. Don’t forget to stop at Domaine de Mourchon, a sloping wine estate nestled on the hillside at 350m above sea level, producing the delicious Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret with its intense colour and fruity flavours.

Aiguèze, GardA magnificent mediaeval village, now restored, nestled in its eagle’s eyrie location.

La Roque sur Cèze, GardThis village is home to the remains of an ancient château and Romanesque chapel, and has magnificent views over the Cascades du Sautadet waterfalls.Relax for a moment at Domaine de la Réméjeanne and enjoy unrivalled views of Mont Ventoux with its olive groves, oaks, dry-stone walls and vine-covered slopes.

See these activities on our website vins-rhone.com Click on “Visit”


Lounging by the Pool at Château Saint Maurice in l’ArdoiseEnjoy a stay in this beautiful 19th century château with access to the gardens and a private swimming pool. Visit and tasting.

Stroll through the Vineyard Gardens at Château Beauchêne in PiolencAfter tasting a range of delightfully

powerful, fruity, elegant wines, stroll through the rows

of vines planted in this extraordinary vineyard garden featuring the AOC’s 13 grape varieties, then relax in the welcome shade of a

magnificent old oak tree.

Reflect on Life at Notre-Dame de Cousignac, Bourg-Saint-AndéolThis lovely old 17th century farmhouse has been renovated as a guesthouse. With its magnificent swimming pool and tiny chapel, it certainly has character!

Pamper yourself at Domaine de Provensol in VenterolWellbeing is the word on everyone’s lips at this organic vineyard. A range of seasonal organic products is always available, alongside sessions to sample the “natural” wines with a good balance of structure, fruit and minerality. And don’t forget to treat yourself to one of the massage treatments and the spa…

A Unique Sensory Experience at CairanneThe sensory experience at Cairanneis a delight for all 5 senses, guiding the wine lover through a fun and factual journey aimed at discovering all about wine.

Côtes du Rhône Favourites

The Côtes du Rhône are bursting with colour, their gentle landscapes

dedicated to the vine. And who better to fashion this scenery than the wine estates? No two vineyards, landscapes or gardens are the same; and to enrich the visitor’s experience, the region houses innumerable treasures in animal, vegetable and mineral form.

Relaxing ‘à deux’in the Côtes du Rhône

The Romantic Country Destination


Night-time Classics in the Vineyard from July to SeptemberThe Liszt Festival in Provence is dedicated to the memory of Franz Liszt, and draws music lovers to Château Saint Estève d’Uchaux, near Orange, for a series of open air concerts. Relax to the strains of Chopin and Beethoven…These concerts featuring Côtes du Rhône tasting sessions together with the artists are sure to strike the right note!

Country-style Picnic with the Vignerons in June – Venues throughout the Côtes du RhôneVisitors are invited to bring their own picnic baskets along to the participating Domaine, where vignerons will extend a warm welcome, providing tables, chairs and wines to accompany the meal.

Romantic Moments

Memories are made of this: Nationale 7

“The route to summer, Across Burgundy and Provence, Transforming Paris into the outskirts of Valence, Or a suburb of St Paul de Vence…Route 7, the road to happiness”.In 1955, Charles Trenet wrote this song to celebrate Route N7 – the road travelled by families from northern France en-route to the Côte d’Azur, to enjoy their paid holidays. N7 carries many happy memories for holidaymakers on their mopeds, in caravans or 2CVs, motoring through the rural landscape, hurrying towards the paradise of which they have dreamed all year. With no hint of the overwhelming traffic jams, this legendary route is a leisurely experience nowadays, gliding through the Côtes du Rhône, a retro wind at your back…

Don’t Miss• The retro campsite at Tain l’Hermitage in September• The “Memories of the N7” museum in Piolenc• Strolling around the 1950s – 1980s vintage fair in Avignon

in June• The Guinguette du Vieux Moulin on the banks of the

Rhône at Villeneuve-Lez-Avignon; enjoy tasting Côtes du Rhône wines in 19th century surroundings, along with some delicious, home-cooked food

• The Guinguette in Chusclan


What’s the Issue?Oenotourism (or wine tourism) in France attracts some 7.5 million enthusiasts (Atout France), drawn largely by the culture of food and wine. The location and vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône and Rhône Valley make this area a popular destination, with the capacity to delight 14 million visitors every year.

Who?Inter Rhône is the joint professional organization for Côtes du Rhône and Rhône Valley AOC wines; they represent all aspects of viticulture and wine sales in the area.

Inter Rhône, driving the development of oenotourism

Côtes du Rhône:Aims and Ambitions


Why?Some 10 years ago, the vignerons and négociants of the Côtes du Rhône and Rhône Valley expressed a wish that Inter Rhône support them in developing their wine tourism offering. Quite early on, Inter Rhône were able to identify the issues at stake, both with regard to image and to sales; they then created a strategy to address these two key points. This proved to be a way for Inter Rhône to bring together industry professionals, and support the promotional activities of the tourist authorities with whom they worked closely. This basic strategy of empowerment is seen as one of the most dynamic in France, and has been an inspiration for other French vineyards. Inter Rhône’s expertise has made them into an essential partner for Côtes du Rhône and Rhône Valley wine professionals wanting to focus on building up a wine tourism offering. Inter Rhône is also seen by Atout France as the “go-to” authority on wine tourism at national level, particularly by the “Vignobles et Découvertes“ (Vineyards and Discoveries) brand.

How?The concept of the 9 Côtes du Rhône wine routes and their inauguration in 2003 marked the start of a key development opportunity for the Côtes du Rhône. Inter Rhône then focused on helping and supporting the various cellars to improve the quality of their visitor services, and on building up a structured, marketable wine tourism offering. This included developing an array of communications tools, and Inter Rhône now takes an active part in promoting wine tourism in France and abroad, in partnership with various tourist authorities such as Departmental and Regional Tourist Agencies, Atout France etc.


As a pioneer in this field, Inter Rhône created a Quality Charter entitled “Côtes du Rhône - a Warm Welcome”. (Côtes du Rhône - Terroirs d’Accueil). This initiative has experienced a significant growth in popularity since its inception, and a serious commitment on the part of the vignerons and négociants who have adopted it. Over 315 cellars nowsubscribe to the Charter. Cellars where tasting is offered and which adhere to the criteria laid down by the Charter are grouped into three levels, each identified by a vine leaf logo.

Côtes du Rhône, a Warm Welcome

TERROIRSD’ACCUEIL

A New Quality Charter to Shape the Côtes du Rhône’s Winegrowing EstatesAfter 10 years, and with one change (in 2005) already under its belt, Inter Rhône have upgraded the Charter criteria in order to meet wine tourism needs more exactly; meanwhile, they have also changed the way in which vine leaves are awarded:The 3-tier system remains in place, but the method of attributing awards has moved towards percentage compliance.

2016 £ 2016 80 to 86 %

2016 ££ 2016 87 to 93 %

2016 £££ 2016 94 to 100 %

How will I recognise an accredited winery?An enamelled plaque at the entrance of every accredited institution indicates compliance with the Charter. It shows whether the cellar/tasting facility has been awarded 1, 2 or 3 vine leaves for the current year. The plaques come in 9 colours, each corresponding to one of the Côtes du Rhône wine routes.

Côtes du Rhône:Aims and Ambitions


DIS

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New Wine Tourism AwardInter Rhône have recently introduced a new Wine Tourism Award to meet a growing need from tour operators and visitors from France and abroad, for new and exciting ways to explore the vineyards. Only “3-leaf” Domaines are eligible to win the new award, as three leaves already demonstrate the highest quality of welcome. To achieve the award, the Domaine must comply with 80% of the 28 wine tourism criteria as laid down by Inter Rhône. Accredited Domaines are required to offer a vine and wine related activity in addition to tours and tastings. The new award is represented by a golden leaf on an

enamel plaque at the winery entrance; the gold leaf symbol will also appear on promotional materials, making it

easier for agencies to identify accredited facilities when marketing the Côtes du Rhône region. - Additional activities may include for example: guest rooms, food/wine pairing workshops, or established footpaths and trails through the vineyards.

See these activities on our website vins-rhone.com Click on “destinations”

To support the vineyards with their own individual programmes, Inter Rhône is developing a set of communications tools to meet the needs of the different target markets. These include:• 9 wine route maps and 1 programme of events, to be

distributed to visitors via the tourist offices;• A website for the general public;• An information dossier to be distributed to travel agents

and tour operators to help with constructing itineraries;• An online self-assessment tool to help winegrowers and

wine merchants develop new programmes and activities;

New for 2016: Visitors to Avignon, capital of the Côtes du Rhône, will be able to see the town from a wine tourism perspective, using the first ever mobile app to be developed by Inter Rhône. (Available spring 2016). A new wine tourism publicity campaign will promote the Côtes du Rhône through the outstanding beauty of its natural landscapes.

Did you know?Ministers in charge of tourism and agriculture have awarded “Vignobles and Découvertes” (Vineyards and Discoveries) brand accreditation to 6 Rhône destinations on the basis of their high quality offerings. These are: “From Cornas to Saint Péray,” “From Hermitage to Saint Joseph,” “Rhône Val-ley-Condrieu-Côte Rôtie,” and more recently, “Around the Dentelles de Montmirail,” “Côtes du Rhône Gardoises.” And “Drôme Provençale” The brand was launched in 2009, and aims to promote wine tourism, making it easier for visitors to plan their stay and be guided towards suitable, high quality services.


The Côtes du Rhône unveiled in 2015 their new Landscape and E n v i r o n m e n t Charter, enlisting winegrowers, the

community and other appellation

o r g a n i s a t i o n s to m a ke s p e c i f i c

c o m m i t m e n t s i n support of the landscape and

environment of the Rhône, to ensure the sustainability of the appellation and protect the image and reputation of its wines.

In 2013, having observed how environmental and landscape issues are playing an increasing role in public policy-making, the Côtes du Rhône enlisted the help of a specialist company to look at new approaches, leading to the formulation of this binding Charter.

• A survey of the landscape and environment defined the intrinsic features of the Côtes du Rhône vineyards. The process identified 16 distinct landscape types, each linked to its own unique skill set (environmental, landscape-re-lated, heritage or society-based) developed by winegrowers.

• The results of the survey led to the publication of a document detailing a list of actions and re-commendations, with input from

all industry stakeholders. The aim was to find ways to unite these stakeholders around a single operational approach, and to facilitate networking.

• This in turn led to the formalisation of the Charter, committing both the Syndicat and its partners to safeguarding and nurturing the Rhône vineyards, and to preparing them to face the challenges of the future.

The Syndicat and winemakers – all industry players, in fact - are committed to the aims and means of developing wine tourism in the region. The Charter, for example, urges stakeholders to focus on signage in the vineyards and on the wine trails, but also to inform, educate and raise awareness amongst industry professionals, members and technical experts about this widely-known and loved piece of cultural heritage, and how to pass their knowledge on to others.

The result of this work is an attractive 171-page document detailing the specific landscape features of the Rhone vineyards and the accompanying skills which have grown up alongside them.

Mosaic vineyards, heroic vineyards, amphitheatre vineyards… the Côtes du Rhône comprise a total of 16 distinct landscape types

The Côtes du Rhône Landscape and Environment Charter


A9

A7

la Durance

le Gardon

la Cèze

l’Aigue

la Drôme

l’Ardèche

l’Isèrele

Rhô

ne

le Rhône

l’Ouvè

ze

les Sorgues

le L

ez

la Galaure

la Gère

la Tave

le Roubion

le Gier

le Doux

l’Eyrieux

GARD

VAUCLUSE

ARDÈCHEDRÔME

LOIRE

RHÔNE

The Postcard Vineyard

The Accessible Vineyard

The Diverse Vineyard

The Heritage Vineyard

The Continuous Vineyard

The Face-to-Face VineyardThe Promontory Vineyard

The Vineyard

in the Forest

The Int imate Vineyard

The Mosaic Vineyard

The Amphitheatre Vineyard

Vineyards as Far as the Eye can See

The Terraced Vineyard

The Man-made Vineyard

The Heroic Vineyard

The Balcony Vineyard

TAVEL

LIRAC

BEAUMES-DE-VENISE

VACQUEYRAS

GIGONDAS

RASTEAU

CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE

VINSOBRES

SAINT-PÉRAY

CORNAS

CROZES-HERMITAGE

HERMITAGE

SAINT-JOSEPH

CONDRIEU

CHÂTEAU-GRILLET

VISAN

SABLET

SÉGURET

PUYMÉRAS

ROAIX

CAIRANNE

MASSIF D’UCHAUX

ROCHEGUDE

PLAN DE DIEU

VALRÉAS

ROUSSET LES VIGNES

SAINT-PANTALÉON LES VIGNES

SIGNARGUES

LAUDUN

CHUSCLAN

SAINT-GERVAIS

CÔTE RÔTIE

GADAGNE

SAINT-MAURICE-SUR-EYGUES

Bagnols-sur-Cèze

Orange

Bollène

Vienne

Tournon-sur-Rhône

Valence

Montélimar

Vaison-la-Romaine

Valréas

Avignon

Remoulins

0 15 30 km

N

The 16 landscape entities identifiedCôtes du Rhône


A major new project for Inter Rhône and its partners: Le Carré du Palais is a flagship new wine tourism destination showcasing the Rhône Valley’s AOC wines.

The Hôtel Calvet de la Palun, one of Avignon’s iconic buildings and an erstwhile branch of the Banque de France, is strategically located alongside the Place du Palais des Papes, which attracts some 600,000 visitors a year.

Work started in the first quarter of 2014, and the Carré du Palais is set to open to the public in April 2016 featuring:

• A Wine School with workshops for every level of expertise, held in 8 different languages

• A Wine Bar with a terrace overlooking the Palais des Papes, serving wines from all the Rhône Valley AOC appellations.

• A restaurant area, including a gourmet restaurant seating 25 on a terrace with panoramic views over Place de l’Horloge, and a more casual bistro restaurant with a warm welcome for everyone.

• A prestigious hotel/residence with unrivalled views of the area’s historical attractions.

• High quality shops featuring a range of natural ferments such as tea, coffee, chocolate and bread. Inter Rhône will be in overall charge of one such shop adjoining the wine bar, making it simpler for visitors to access the region’s wines.

Inter Rhône are not going it completely alone, however. While they have overall leadership of the Wine School, they operate in partnership with other investors when it comes to the restaurants, wine bar and hotel/residence.

Key information…The capital of the Côtes du Rhône and gateway to the Rhône Valley vineyards has developed an iconic site in a strategic location, making it the perfect showcase for heritage, terroir, gastronomy, lifestyle and wine. While the Carré du Palais is completely in keeping with its history and the world heritage site in which it is located, it is also very much built for today, having all the necessary attributes to integrate seamlessly into the life of the city and to achieve international recognition. This ambitious project is part of Inter Rhône’s strategy to develop their wine tourism offering; it doubles as a significant investment in raising the quality and boosting recognition of to the Côtes du Rhône and Rhône Valley Appellations.

LE CARRE DU PALAIS IN FIGURES

Le Carré du Palais, the essential destination

28 Tonnes of waste have already been removed.

7,7 Million Euros in total have been invested by all parties to acquire and renovate the building.

Different building trade contractors are employed on the site.21

Côtes du Rhône: Aims and Ambitions

Le Carré du Palais – An Unmissable New Destination for Wine Lovers


> France’s 2nd largest AOC winegrowing area for conventional

and organic wines, both by size and production volume.

> With wines produced over 6 départements, Côtes du Rhône

and Rhône Valley wines represent the region’s chief economic

activity. 390 million bottles were sold across 159 countries in

2013/2014.

> In 2015, Côtes du Rhône and Rhône Valley wines represented:

• 69 000 hectares and 5,300 winegrowing enterprises • Harvests of 3.1 million hectolitres • 1.4 billion Euros in turnover • 46,000 jobs, both direct and indirect, making the wine

industry the Rhône Valley’s leading employer

> A major tourist destination attracting 14 million visitors to the

vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône and Rhône Valley every year.

> 380 tourist events, 120 in summer alone, make the Côtes du

Rhône and the Rhône Valley more focused on celebration than

any other winegrowing area in France.

The Rhône Valley in Figures


WEBSITESTake a look at the “Festive, Intriguing, Active and Gourmet” sections for the 9 Wine Trails in the Côtes du Rhône.

www.vins-rhone.comwww.phototheque-inter-rhone.com

PRESS CONTACTInter RhônePress Service:[email protected]+33 (0)4 90 27 24 16/40

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