The Côtes du Rhône appellation

Given its location and the role it’s had in shaping the history of the vineyards, Avignon is very much the capital of the Côtes du Rhône. Its history goes hand in hand with the story of the appellations, like a symbiotic relationship where each strengthens the other’s reputation. Avignon’s near-obsession with Côtes du Rhône wines, its love and support for them, is evident all over town: in its buzzing restaurants, and through wine-related events such as the Bar à Vins des Côtes du Rhône in July, the Ban de Vendange (harvest celebrations) in late August, or the Millévin Festival celebrating the new vintage, held on the 3rd Thursday in November.