The Southern Rhône Valley

The Southern Rhône is, perhaps, the most beautiful part of France. Coming off the Autoroute de Soleil at Avignon, the traveller is unprepared for the splendour of the region. Taking a right towards Carpentras, one soon encounters the huge Mont Ventoux, seemingly coming out of nowhere, providing a magnificent backdrop to the region’s vineyards.

Most of the best vines are located in the Vaucluse department, home to many of France’s most beautiful villages. Avignon is the region's capital and has several tourist destinations such as the Palais des Papes and the Pont St Bénezet (you know the song) as well as being home, every July, to the Avignon Festival

Wines can sometimes be popular because a region is a great tourist destination. That is certainly true of the Southern Rhône but the region’s increasing popularity may be summed up in three reasons:

• They offer the best value of any top appellation for red wines in the world.
• Many can be enjoyed young but can also evolve magnificently over time.
• They are extremely food friendly wines.

Wine lovers who resent the prices of top Bordeaux and Burgundy should look to the Rhône Valley for a wide range of food-friendly wines at remarkable value.