On the wine map, Southern Ardèche is divided into 3 zones: the « Rhône Coast,» which includes the AOC St. Joseph, Cornas, Saint Péray and Côtes-du-Rhône; the « Ardèche Hill Country; » and finally the AOC (Appellation d'origine contrôlée) « Vivarais Coast.»

There are about 1700 wine-growers, 70 of which belong to specific wine cellars, and the rest are members of one of the 23 cooperative cellars. About 20 million bottles are produced, which makes up 21% of the Rhône-Alps wines. 45% of this production is exported.

To organize your trip, get the « Wine-growers' route Card » at www.ardeche-wines.com. The card is free and offers 4 different detailed itineraries for Southern Ardèche, allowing you to discover the history of wine and wine-growers in this region.

Photo: Affiche Ardeche-wines

by Laurent Turrel, © www.nuncbibendum.com 2007