51 editor-picked estates growing Grenache in Rhone Valley.
Where to taste Grenache in Rhone Valley: the estates that grow it, how the region expresses the grape, and how to book a visit.
The cellar
The 12 highest-rated of 72 bottles with at least 15% Grenache in the blend.
5.0
Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
Chateau Rayas
5.0
Domaine du Pegau Cuvee da Capo
Domaine du Pegau
5.0
Hommage a Jacques Perrin
Chateau de Beaucastel
4.9
Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
Chateau de Beaucastel
4.9
Chateau de Saint Cosme Hominis Fides
Chateau de Saint Cosme
4.9
Clos Saint-Jean Deus-Ex Machina
Clos Saint-Jean
4.9
Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
Clos des Papes
4.9
Domaine Gourt de Mautens IGP Vaucluse
Domaine Gourt de Mautens
4.9
Domaine de Marcoux Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes
Domaine de Marcoux
4.9
Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes
Domaine de la Janasse
4.9
Domaine de la Janasse Chaupin
Domaine de la Janasse
4.9
Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe La Crau Rouge
Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe
Ampuis-based negociant and domaine celebrated for the single-vineyard Cote-Rotie La La La trilogy from old Syrah vines.
Tasting: Visits and tastings at Chateau d'Ampuis by appointment
Signature wines: Cote-Rotie La Mouline, Cote-Rotie La Landonne, Cote-Rotie La Turque
Tip: The La La La trilogy (La Mouline, La Landonne, La Turque) are allocated; the Chateau d'Ampuis Cote-Rotie is the most accessible flagship.
Tain-l'Hermitage negociant under biodynamic conversion since the 1990s, producing benchmark Hermitage Syrah and rare Marsanne whites.
Tasting: Open tasting room in Tain-l'Hermitage; cellar tours by appointment
Signature wines: Ermitage Le Pavillon, Ermitage De l'Oree Blanc
Tip: The Braille labels on all bottles reflect the family's commitment to accessibility. The tasting room in town is walk-in friendly.
Paul Jaboulet Aine, founded in 1834, is a Tain-l'Hermitage negociant producing Hermitage La Chapelle Syrah from the hill's granite flanks. Now owned by the Frey family (since 2006).
Tasting: La Cave by appointment; wine shop open in Tain-l'Hermitage
Signature wines: Hermitage La Chapelle
Tip: La Chapelle from top vintages (1961, 1990, 2010) has 30 to 50 year cellaring potential and trades regularly at international auction.
The Perrin family estate at Courthezon, one of the oldest and most biologically farmed CdP properties, using all 13 permitted varieties and producing the benchmark Roussanne Vieilles Vignes blanc.
Tasting: Visits and tastings by appointment at the estate; wine shop on site
Signature wines: Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge, Chateau de Beaucastel Roussanne Vieilles Vignes, Hommage a Jacques Perrin
Tip: The Hommage a Jacques Perrin is the prestige red; the Roussanne Vieilles Vignes white is the estate's flagship white wine.
Chateau Rayas (founded 1880 by Albert Reynaud) produces pure old-vine Grenache from shaded, sandy soils in the north of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Now managed by Emmanuel Reynaud.
Tasting: No public visits. Wines available by allocation through importers.
Signature wines: Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge, Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc
Tip: Emmanuel Reynaud also produces Chateau des Tours Vacqueyras and the Pignan second label; Rayas is extremely rare.
The Brunier family estate on the La Crau plateau, one of Chateauneuf-du-Pape's most consistent properties, farming the stony galets roulees terrain.
Tasting: Tasting room open Monday to Friday; appointment for groups
Signature wines: Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe La Crau Rouge, Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe La Crau Blanc
Tip: The La Crau plateau stones absorb heat and radiate it at night, defining the opulent fruit of Vieux Telegraphe.
Paul-Vincent Avril's family estate, one of Chateauneuf-du-Pape's most consistent producers, making densely structured reds from a large parcel mosaic.
Tasting: By appointment at the estate in Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Signature wines: Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge, Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc
Tip: The red uses Mourvedre more generously than most CdP estates, lending dark-earth, game-meat character.
The Feraud family domaine producing Chateauneuf-du-Pape of extraordinary concentration and longevity, particularly the special-edition Da Capo cuvee.
Tasting: Tastings by appointment at the estate
Signature wines: Domaine du Pegau Cuvee da Capo, Domaine du Pegau Cuvee Reservee
Courthezon family estate producing approachable and reliably excellent Chateauneuf-du-Pape including the old-vine Chaupin Grenache cuvee.
Tasting: Tasting room open Monday to Saturday at the domaine
Signature wines: Domaine de la Janasse Chaupin, Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes
Tip: Cuvee Chaupin from a single old-vine Grenache parcel is a worth ordering.
Laurent Charvin's estate on the northern edge of Chateauneuf-du-Pape produces a single estate red of unusual elegance and purity, prized for finesse over power.
Tasting: By appointment at the domaine near Orange
Signature wines: Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Chateauneuf-du-Pape estate run by brothers Pascal and Vincent Maurel, producing concentrated cuvees including the rare Deus ex Machina prestige bottling.
Tasting: Tastings by appointment at the estate
Signature wines: Clos Saint-Jean Deus-Ex Machina, Clos Saint-Jean La Combe des Fous
Demeter-certified biodynamic Chateauneuf-du-Pape estate producing profound old-vine Grenache of great depth and terroir expression.
Tasting: By appointment at the domaine
Signature wines: Domaine de Marcoux Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Domaine de Marcoux Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Tip: The Vieilles Vignes cuvee from centenarian Grenache is among the most complex and age-worthy in CdP.
One of CdP's most traditional domaines, the Michel family producing classically-structured Grenache-dominant reds of great consistency.
Tasting: By appointment at the estate in Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Signature wines: Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Tavel domaine producing the reference rose of the appellation, the Dame Rousse, alongside Lirac red and white and a Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Tasting: Tasting room open at the domaine in Tavel; appointment preferred
Signature wines: Domaine de la Mordoree La Dame Rousse Tavel, Domaine de la Mordoree La Reine des Bois Lirac Rouge
Tip: La Dame Rousse is the reference Tavel rose; structured enough to age 3-5 years.
Historic Gigondas estate with old-vine parcels across the Dentelles de Montmirail producing structured, spice-laden reds.
Tasting: Tasting room open at the domaine in Gigondas
Signature wines: Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas, Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas Prestige des Hautes Garrigues
Tip: Aux Relagnes is the classic Gigondas cuvee; Hautes Garrigues is the prestige single-vineyard bottling.
One of Gigondas's most respected traditional estates, producing Grenache-dominant reds from old vines on clay-limestone slopes.
Tasting: Tasting room at the domaine; open weekdays
Signature wines: Domaine Raspail-Ay Gigondas
Gigondas estate with recorded winemaking history to the 15th century, run by Louis Barruol as both domaine and Southern Rhone negociant.
Tasting: Tasting room open at the chateau; appointment recommended
Signature wines: Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Chateau de Saint Cosme Le Claux
Tip: The estate occupies the hillside above the village with Roman-era cellars carved from the rock.
Rasteau family domaine producing both the dry appellation red and the traditional Rasteau vin doux naturel (VDN), one of the few maintaining this fortified wine tradition.
Tasting: Tasting room open at the domaine in Rasteau
Signature wines: Domaine La Soumade Rasteau Cuvee Confiance, Domaine La Soumade Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel
Tip: The Rasteau VDN is a fortified Grenache in Rancio style; a disappearing tradition well worth seeking out.
Jerome Bressy's Rasteau estate, founded in 1996, declassifies its wines to IGP Vaucluse and farms old-vine field blends including rare local varieties such as Camarese, Counoise, and Vaccarese on 14 hectares of clay-limestone.
Tasting: By appointment at the domaine
Signature wines: Domaine Gourt de Mautens IGP Vaucluse
Tip: Production is around 30,000 bottles annually; wines allocated through specialist importers and a small mailing list.
Cairanne and Gigondas producer with a large portfolio, a reference estate for the newly elevated Cairanne AOC.
Tasting: Open tasting room at the domaine in Cairanne
Signature wines: Domaine Brusset Cairanne
Long-established Cairanne estate well-known for the Grande Garde cuvee from old vines across multiple appellations.
Tasting: Open tasting room; Monday to Saturday
Signature wines: Domaine de la Presidente Cairanne
Negociant house sourcing old-vine Rhone fruit across both north and south for barrel-aged cuvees of concentration and depth.
Tasting: By appointment; offices in Lourmarin
Signature wines: Tardieu-Laurent Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Tardieu-Laurent Gigondas
The Perrin family secondary label (Beaucastel owners) producing Cotes du Rhone, Cotes du Rhone Villages and Vinsobres.
Tasting: Tasting room in Orange; open Monday to Saturday
Signature wines: Famille Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone Rouge, Famille Perrin Les Sinards Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Tip: La Vieille Ferme is the entry-level range; the Vinsobres Les Cornuds is a genuinely serious wine at a moderate price.
Tavel reference estate producing one of the most consistent and elegant Tavel roses, farming the galets plateau.
Tasting: Tasting room open at the chateau in Tavel; Monday to Saturday
Signature wines: Chateau d'Aqueria Tavel, Chateau d'Aqueria Lirac Rouge
Hillside Beaumes-de-Venise domaine producing the classic Muscat VDN and a dry Grenache-Syrah red.
Tasting: Tasting room open at the domaine; weekdays and Saturday
Signature wines: Domaine de Coyeux Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise
Tip: The Muscat VDN is luscious and aromatic, best served as an aperitif or with foie gras and tarte tatin.
Traditional Beaumes-de-Venise estate long regarded as the benchmark for Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise VDN, with old Muscat a Petits Grains vines.
Tasting: Tasting room in Beaumes-de-Venise; open daily in season
Signature wines: Domaine des Bernardins Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise
Le Sang des Cailloux is a Vacqueyras domaine farming 22 hectares since 1990 under Serge Ferigoule, producing mineral-driven Grenache reds from clay-limestone parcels below the Dentelles de Montmirail.
Tasting: By appointment at the domaine
Signature wines: Le Sang des Cailloux Vacqueyras Rouge
Tip: The Vacqueyras frequently outperforms wines twice its price; production is small and it sells quickly.
One of the oldest estates in CdP with winemaking cited to the 16th century, producing refined GSM-led reds and whites from organic farming.
Tasting: Open tasting room and shop at the chateau; cellar tours by appointment
Signature wines: Chateau La Nerthe Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge, Chateau La Nerthe Cuvee des Cadettes Rouge
Tip: The Cuvee des Cadettes white from very old Roussanne and Clairette vines is a rare and age-worthy white CdP.
Small traditional Gigondas domaine producing a single estate wine from old vines on the clay-limestone slopes at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail.
Tasting: Tasting at the domaine by appointment
Signature wines: Domaine du Cayron Gigondas
M. Chapoutier's flagship tasting cellar at Tain-l'Hermitage, showcasing the full range from Crozes-Hermitage to signature single-parcel Ermitage cuvees. Braille-labelled bottles displayed throughout.
E. Guigal's historic cellars and tasting room in Ampuis, home of the La Landonne (first vintage 1978), La Mouline (first separately vinified 1966) and La Turque single-vineyard Cote-Roties. Guided cellar tour with vertical tasting available.
The historic home of La Chapelle Hermitage, now owned by the Frey family. Cellar tours at La Roche-de-Glun cover the full Jaboulet range including the signature Hermitage La Chapelle.
The Perrin family estate in Courthezon, one of only two Chateauneuf-du-Pape estates to use all 13 permitted grape varieties. Guided tours of historic cellars with structured tastings of the estate range.
The Brunier family's landmark estate on La Crau plateau, one of Chateauneuf-du-Pape's finest terroirs. Cellar visits showcase the La Crau single-vineyard lineup alongside estate Gigondas and Telegramme cuvees.
Maison Brotte's purpose-built visitor centre next to the Pere Anselme Wine Museum. Wide range of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Cotes du Rhone open for daily tasting.
The Rhone Valley wine trade body's urban tasting bar in Avignon's historic centre. The rotating selection spans the full Rhone Valley from Condrieu to Chateauneuf-du-Pape with over 300 references.
The Avril family's Clos des Papes in the village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Known for consistently scoring among the appellation's highest-rated estates, offering intimate visits to their village chai.
The cooperative cellar shop and tasting bar in Gigondas village, offering the region's broadest access to appellation wines from over 40 local producers. The central port of call for any Gigondas visit.
Cave de Tain cooperative's visitor centre and tasting room. The cooperative farms 1,000 hectares across Northern Rhone appellations; the full range covers Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage and Cornas, including the Nobles Rives prestige tier.
One of the oldest and largest estates in Chateauneuf-du-Pape with a welcoming daily tasting room. The Fabre-Diffre family has owned the property since 1923, and the tasting covers both Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Lirac.
Historic Gigondas estate jointly owned by Brunier family of Vieux Telegraphe and Kermit Lynch. Old-vine Grenache on Triassic limestone soils produces one of Gigondas's finest expressions. Intimate appointment visits.
Eric Texier makes mineral, low-intervention northern Rhone whites and reds from obscure Ardeche parcels. Former nuclear engineer; domaine founded 1998.
Tip: Texier's wines are allocated through specialist importers. In France, La Cave des Papilles in Paris stocks the full range. The domaine itself does not maintain a public tasting room.
Maxime Laurent continues her parents' legacy at Gramenon: biodynamically-farmed old-vine Grenache in the Drome that has influenced a generation of Rhone natural-wine producers.
Tip: The domaine hosts periodic open-cellar days. Follow their social media for dates; direct email to the estate works for private visits. Ceps Centenaires is allocated and often sells out from the cellar door within hours of release.
Aimé and Christophe Sabon's organically-farmed Chateauneuf-du-Pape estate is beloved by local sommeliers for quality that outpunches its price, particularly the old-vine Grenache cuvees.
Tip: The Cuvee Chaupin white blends old-vine Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Roussanne. Visit by appointment from Avignon or Courthezon.
Guigal's entry-level Cotes du Rhone rouge is one of the most reliable under-EUR15 reds in France. Grenache-led with Syrah for spice and Mourvedre for structure, it offers the classic southern Rhone profile at a supermarket price point.
Tip: The Guigal CDR rouge holds for up to three years from vintage. Buy a case from the Ampuis cellar door and compare it with the much pricier Cote-Rotie to understand the Guigal house style at scale.
The Beaucastel family's entry-level Cotes du Rhone rouge, made under the Perrin et Fils label. Grenache-dominant with savoury herbes de Provence character and approachable tannins. The best-value introduction to the Beaucastel house philosophy.
Tip: The Perrin Reserve rouge is also the gateway to understanding Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre blending. Compare it with Beaucastel proper to trace the terroir and selection effect.
La Vieille Ferme is the Perrin family's Luberon-region brand, producing Grenache-dominant reds and whites at under EUR10. The rouge offers Rhone Valley Grenache-Syrah-Carignan-Cinsault character in an entry-level format.
Tip: La Vieille Ferme is the house wine of thousands of French bistros for good reason. The blanc (Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Ugni Blanc) is also worth finding.
Vacqueyras is often overlooked in favour of neighbouring Gigondas but offers comparably structured Grenache-Syrah blends at a lower entry price.
Tip: Vacqueyras sits just north of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and shares the galets roulants soil types in some parcels. The Clos des Cazeaux is one of the most consistent producers in the appellation.
Tavel is France's only AOC (decreed 1936) exclusively dedicated to dry rose. Domaine de la Mordoree farms 55 hectares across Tavel and Lirac.
Tip: La Dame Rousse is an ideal all-day food wine in the south of France: substantial enough for lamb cutlets, light enough for fish and aioli. Drink at cellar temperature, not ice-cold.
Lirac AOC, on the right bank of the Rhone opposite Chateauneuf-du-Pape, produces structured Grenache-Syrah blends at consistently lower prices than its famous neighbour.
Tip: Lirac is one of the Rhone's best-value appellations. The d'Aqueria white (Grenache Blanc, Clairette) is also worth trying at a similar price.
The Rasteau cooperative's Ortas Tradition rouge is an accessible entry into the Rasteau AOC, which received full communal appellation status in 2010. Grenache-dominant with Syrah and Mourvedre, it shows the southern Rhone's characteristic ripe-fruit and garrigue warmth at a co-operative price.
Tip: The cave co-operative also offers a direct introduction to Rasteau VDN (fortified) styles alongside the dry red. The tasting room in the village is open year-round.
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