Wine bar on the main square of Vaison-la-Romaine with an outstanding local producer selection. Flanked by the Roman ruins, La Sommeliere is a gateway to the Dentelles de Montmirail wine villages.
The list: Dentelles de Montmirail and wider Southern Rhone list of 160 references; 14 by the glass; emphasis on Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Beaumes-de-Venise from local domaines
Address: 11 place du Montfort, 84110 Vaison-la-Romaine, France, Rhone Valley
Lyon's pre-eminent natural wine bar on Rue Lanterne, long established in the Presqu'ile neighbourhood. Strong Rhone Valley grower selection with emphasis on biodynamic and natural producers; wine by the glass programme changes daily.
The list: Rhone Valley and Beaujolais natural grower list; 300 bottles; 20 by the glass rotating daily; natural wine focus with biodynamic Rhone estates prominently featured
Pours: Cotes du Rhone natural, Saint-Joseph grower, Cote-Rotie
Intimate wine bar in Orange town centre, midway between Avignon and the Dentelles de Montmirail. Former cooperative sommelier has assembled a producer-direct Southern Rhone list with an excellent value offering.
The list: Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas and Cotes du Rhone Villages list of 140 references; 12 by the glass; owner is former cave cooperative sommelier
Pours: Chateauneuf-du-Pape rouge, Gigondas, Cotes du Rhone Villages Massif d'Uchaux
Small natural wine bar inside the Avignon ramparts, steps from the Rhone river. Twice-weekly deliveries from Rhone Valley growers ensure the glass list is always fresh; paired small plates from the kitchen.
The list: Natural and artisan Rhone wine list; 15 by the glass daily with short snack pairings; sourced from smaller domaines not seen in retail
Pours: Cotes du Rhone grower, Grignan-les-Adhemar blanc, Ventoux rouge natural
Wine bar on Vienne's main square, an ideal first stop for visitors to the Cote-Rotie vineyard. Hosts monthly dinners with Ampuis and Tupin-et-Semons producers; natural wine section expanding annually.
The list: Cote-Rotie, Condrieu and Saint-Joseph focus; 100 references; 10 by the glass with charcuterie board pairings; regular winemaker evening events
Pours: Cote-Rotie Landonne side, Condrieu Les Chaillees, Saint-Joseph blanc
Low-key village wine bar on the edge of Chateauneuf-du-Pape within walking distance of several major domaines. A favourite among winemakers' families after harvest; rotating slate of local estate pours.
The list: Village wine bar with 35 Chateauneuf-du-Pape producers represented by the glass; informal tasting-room atmosphere; local cheese and olive bar
Pours: Chateauneuf-du-Pape rouge cuvee prestige, CdP blanc Grenache Blanc, Tavel rosé
Sommelier-led wine bar with one of Avignon's deepest Rhone Valley cellars. Weekly pairing dinners pair seasonal menu to a curated three-wine flight; bottle service available from the full 500-label list.
The list: 500-label cellar; 25 by the glass spanning the full Rhone Valley; formal sommelier service; weekly pairing dinner with three-course menu
Pours: Hermitage rouge, Chateauneuf-du-Pape blanc Roussanne, Cotes du Rhone Villages
