The history of Côte du Rhône wines begins in the 1st century AD. The lands around the Rhône started being developed and used for wine production, creating competition with Italian wines, which were dominant at the time. Under the Roman Empire, winemaking techniques were greatly advanced, and wine trade began thanks to the ports located on the Mediterranean coast. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the vineyards were abandoned but were revived by the Church in the Middle Ages, notably by the popes of Avignon, who were very fond of this beverage. In the 17th century, the designation ‘Côste du Rhône’ appeared for the first time, guaranteeing the quality and origin of the wines. The name was changed in the 19th century to ‘Côte du Rhône.’ Unfortunately, like many wine-producing regions in France, Côte du Rhône suffered from insect infestations in the late 19th century. After this dark period, once the insects were eradicated, the wine estates of the Rhône Valley resumed their work, producing increasingly prestigious wines.

Around the 1930s, the Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) were created, promoting certain Côte du Rhône wines. Today, Rhône Valley wines are exported worldwide, with the United Kingdom leading the destinations, followed by Belgium, Luxembourg, and the United States.

The vineyards stretch along the Rhône from Vienne to Avignon, covering an area of 71,014 hectares. The region is divided into two wine-growing areas: the Northern Rhône Valley and the Southern Rhône Valley. Various grape varieties are grown here, the most important being Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Marsanne, Viognier, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, and Clairette. Rhône Valley wines are 79% red, 15% rosé, and 6% white.

In France, many prestigious wines are classified as Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC). The AOC system in Côte du Rhône is divided into three categories: Local Crus, AOC Côtes-du-Rhône Villages, and AOC Côtes-du-Rhône regional wines. The Local Crus are the most important, and include the following domains: Côte Rôtie, Condrieu, Château-Grillet, Saint Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, Cornas, Saint Péray, Vinsobres, Rasteau, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Tavel, Beaumes de Venise, Châteauneuf du Pape, and Lirac.

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