The Côtes du Rhône appellation is a very large one with about 10,000 vine growers producing over 250 million bottles. These vineyards are concentrated in the southern part of the Rhône Valley . Wines of Côtes du Rhône are very diverse, although 95% of the production is red. They can be tannic and robust, or fruity and light. Premiere wines ~ such as Beaujolais ~ are increasingly popular.

Châteauneuf du Pape is the most famous Côtes du Rhône wine. The "Coteaux" (slope) of Châteauneuf du Pape is between the cities of Orange and Avignon , in one of the most beautiful landscapes of Provence . During the Holy Roman Empire , popes resided in Châteauneuf during summers, at which time the name “du Pape” (of the Pope) was added. The Châteauneuf du Pape wine is thick, strong, powerful, and richly colored ~ a veritable full-bodied wine. Producing only red wine, Châteauneuf du Pape is comprised of 13 authorized and controlled ~ Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée or A.O.C. ~ grape varietals, among which Syrah, Grenache and Clairette.

Gigondas vineyards lay at the bottom of the Dentelles de Montmirail, a grand scenery for a wine of good value. The history of Gigondas wine traces back to the Romans, who took advantage of the Mediterranean weather and the red clay soil. Gigondas wine is robust, well-balanced and aromatic. Wine from Gigondas is often thought of as a more affordable alternative to the expensive Châteauneuf du Pape.