Nightlife in Rasteau, Vaucluse

Caveau de Rasteau (Cave de Rasteau co-operative) ★ 4.4

8 by the glassRasteau, Vaucluse

The Rasteau cave cooperative is the principal cellar for Rasteau VDN, a Grenache-based fortified wine made in rouge, blanc, and oxidative rancio styles. The rancio style, aged in glass demijohns in the sun, is one of France's most distinctive fortified wines and is rarely found outside the region. Evening opening for fortified-specialist tastings by arrangement.

The list: Rasteau VDN (rouge, blanc, rancio), Rasteau AOC rouge; evening tastings by arrangement through the co-operative

Tip: Request a tasting focused on the three VDN styles, culminating in the rancio. The rancio vertical (multiple vintages of oxidative aged VDN) is a unique experience that puts the Rhone's fortified tradition in context alongside Rivesaltes and Banyuls.

Route des Princes d'Orange, 84110 Rasteau, Vaucluse, France

Domaine de la Soumade Rasteau VDN tasting room ★ 4.3

6 by the glassRasteau, Vaucluse

Domaine de la Soumade is one of the most respected independent producers of Rasteau VDN, offering cellar-door tastings of their fortified range including the Orondasso (barrel-aged VDN rouge) and vintage rancio. Andre Romero's cellar has been producing both dry and fortified Rasteau since the 1970s.

The list: Rasteau VDN rouge and rancio specialist; vertical tastings by appointment; also Rasteau AOC rouge and Cotes du Rhone Villages

Tip: The estate's Cotes du Rhone Villages Rasteau dry red is also worth tasting alongside the VDN. The contrast between the dry and fortified styles from the same Grenache grape shows the breadth of the appellation.

Route d'Orange, 84110 Rasteau, Vaucluse, France

← Back to the Rhone Valley wine guide