Wine bar with panoramic terrace at the ruins of the Papal castle in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Exclusively Chateauneuf-du-Pape producers; sommelier Stephane Bonnet presents guided appellation flights at lunch.
The list: Exclusively Chateauneuf-du-Pape list of 60 producers; 18 by the glass at any time; panoramic terrace overlooking the vines; guided tasting menus available
Address: Impasse du Chateau, 84230 Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France, Rhone Valley
Natural wine bar on Place des Clercs in Valence with a strong Rhone Valley grower list. Standing-room counter plus pavement terrasse; wine shop doubles as a reference for natural Rhone producers.
The list: Northern and Southern Rhone-focused natural wine list; 200 bottles to eat in or take away; 12-16 by the glass at any time; emphasis on small biodynamic producers
Pours: Saint-Peray blanc, Crozes-Hermitage natural, Cotes du Rhone villages
Underground wine bar in Avignon's old town with vaulted medieval cellar setting. Hosts monthly tasting evenings with Rhone Valley domaines and maintains a strong list of Southern Rhone estates.
The list: 250 references focussed on Rhone Valley; 20 by the glass; regular evening tastings with visiting winemakers; cheese and charcuterie pairings from local producers
Pours: Vacqueyras, Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, Chateauneuf-du-Pape blanc
Wine bar and bistro in Vienne, gateway city to the Northern Rhone appellations. Adjacent to the Roman amphitheatre at Jazz a Vienne festival time; strong Cote-Rotie and Condrieu focus.
The list: Northern Rhone specialist list with 120 references; Cote-Rotie, Condrieu and Crozes-Hermitage verticals; 10 by the glass from grower selection
Pours: Cote-Rotie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph rouge
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
Pours: Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise fortified
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
