Our Destination
Welcome to a destination where wine is more than a craft — it's a culture, a living heritage, and an invitation to journey. Between Vienne and Valence, the Rhône River carves its path through landscapes shaped by vineyards and history. Here, at the heart of the Northern Rhône Valley, vines cling to steep hillsides, rooted in ancient soils from the Massif Central and nurtured by centuries of know-how. This land of viticultural excellence, home to seven prestigious appellations — Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, Cornas, and Saint-Péray — is now an essential destination for lovers of wine, culture, and nature.
A New Destination in the Heart of Exceptional Vineyards
Born from the union of three previously certified Vignobles & Découvertes destinations — Condrieu Côte-Rôtie, D’Hermitage en Saint-Joseph, and De Cornas en Saint-Péray — the Northern Rhône Valley now stands with a single, unified identity. It forms a cohesive destination committed to quality and the promotion of its unique terroirs.
This collaboration strengthens the region’s visibility and appeal, offering an immersive experience where wine discovery goes hand in hand with stunning landscapes, remarkable heritage sites, rich cultural offerings, and authentic encounters with local winemakers and artisans.
Malleval credit photo Carnets de rando
Colline de l'Hermitage
Croisière sur Rhône Tournon sur Rhône
A Unique Vineyard: History, Landscapes, and Iconic Grapes
Since Antiquity, vineyards have shaped the landscapes of the Northern Rhône Valley and the identity of its people. One of the oldest wine regions in France, it now stretches over more than 4,000 hectares. Between river and hillsides, the area reveals an incredible diversity of terroirs, brought to life by passionate men and women and by grape varieties that have earned it international acclaim.
A Land Shaped by Vines and History
In the Northern Rhône Valley, the vine has shaped the landscape just as history has left its mark on the stones and villages. From the steep slopes of Côte-Rôtie, supported by impressive dry-stone walls, to the sun-drenched hillsides of Cornas, each appellation tells of a deep connection between nature, human effort, and heritage. The Rhône, the vineyard’s lifeline, links historical places: Vienne and its ancient Roman theatre, Malleval, a medieval village perched on a rocky spur, Tournon-sur-Rhône and its castle overlooking the river, and Tain-l’Hermitage, the emblematic heart of the grands crus. Further south, Crussol Castle stands watch over the last vine-covered foothills between valley and mountains.
Prestigious Appellations and a Vineyard in the Making
The Northern Rhône Valley is home to seven prestigious AOCs: Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas, and Saint-Péray. To these historic appellations is added a promising vineyard reflecting the region’s dynamism and the commitment of today’s winemakers: Vienne-Seyssuel, currently in the process of obtaining AOP status.
4,260 Hectares of Vines and 4 Signature Grapes
This terroir-driven vineyard is defined by four key grape varieties that reflect the richness of the land:
Syrah, the emblem of powerful and elegant red wines
Viognier, an aromatic variety with floral notes
Marsanne and Roussanne, often blended to create refined, complex white wines
Though these grape varieties are now cultivated worldwide, their genetic roots lie in our soils — and it is here that they express their true identity.
H2 A Lifestyle to Share: What the Vignobles & Découvertes Label Offers
At the heart of the “Vallée de la Gastronomie,” the Northern Rhône Valley is more than a wine destination — it embodies a lifestyle of hospitality, gourmet pleasures, and authentic encounters
A Destination to Savor, Every Moment of the Way
In the Northern Rhône Valley, wine tourism is much more than a simple cellar tour — it’s full immersion into a way of life shaped by connections, landscapes, and shared pleasures. From tastings and vineyard walks to wine cruises and festivals, every season offers a new way to experience the richness of this winegrowing region.
Supported by the national Vignobles & Découvertes label, the Northern Rhône Valley brings together winemakers, hosts, restaurateurs, cultural sites, and activity providers with a shared ambition: to offer an authentic, sustainable, and welcoming experience, true to the people who live and work here.
Vignobles & Découvertes is a national label awarded to destinations renowned for the quality of their wine terroirs and their tourism offerings. Love of the land, spirit of sharing, and authenticity — these are the values behind the label. Professionals displaying the vine-leaf logo commit to high standards of service, diverse activities, and the promotion of local know-how and appellations.
More than 250 professionals bring the label to life year-round, with highlights including “Rendez-Wine” (from May to September) and Vignobles en Scène (every third weekend of October).
Cta Discover
An Invitation to Experience the Northern Rhône Valley
With its sun-drenched slopes, prestigious crus, and thousand-year-old heritage, the Northern Rhône Valley is a true haven for epicureans. Here, every glass of wine tells a story, every encounter leaves a mark, and every landscape inspires wonder.
Whether you’re a lover of great wines, a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or in search of authentic experiences, this destination welcomes you with open arms. Easy to reach, warm and generous, it unfolds with the seasons — at your own pace, through tastings, walks, and moments to cherish.
So, ready to experience the essential among the grands crus?
The Northern Rhône Valley is waiting for you.