The Rhône River is one of the mightiest wine rivers in the world. It begins its course in the Swiss Alps, enters France through Lake Geneva, and travels south through France all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. Of course, what interests us most about this alluvial basin is the 30-mile stretch of the Rhône between Vienne and Montélimar which defines one the most exciting wine regions today - the Rhône Valley. Along with Provence, the Rhône Valley is credited with being one of the oldest wine regions of France.

The Rhône Valley is really two distinct parts - the Northern Rhône, known as the Septentrionales, and Southern Rhône, known as the Meridionales. Northern Rhône is characterized by a continental climate, with soil composed mostly of granite and slate. Syrah is the most popular red grape here, while Viognier is the major white grape.

In contrast, the Southern Rhône's climate is a Mediterranean one, and the soil comprised mostly of clay, limestone and gravel. The vast majority of wines in this part of the Rhône are blends, but Grenache is the most renowned red grape whereas the majority of white wines are composed of Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne.

The Mistral, a fierce, cool-blowing wind, affects both regions, but in different ways. Vineyards in the north find protection behind steep hills; in the south, manmade devices are implemented.

Roll over the Producers button above to access the list of Rhone producers that Winebow represents in our wholesale/distribution markets. To find out if these producers are available in your geographic area, please visit our Product Locator page.

Click here to see our Rhône Distribution Portfolio .