The Côtes du Rhône region, stretching along the Rhône River from Lyon to Avignon, is one of France’s largest and most diverse wine-growing areas, known for producing generous, fruit-forward wines that offer both quality and value. The region benefits from a warm Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine, mistral winds that keep vines healthy, and a variety of soil types—from rocky galets roulés in the south to granite and limestone in the north. This geographical and climatic diversity allows for a wide range of grape varieties, with Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre playing leading roles in the region’s signature red blends. While the Côtes du Rhône AOC includes a broad category of approachable wines, many producers also create expressive cuvées that reflect individual terroirs. The result is a region that balances tradition and accessibility, producing wines that are both crowd-pleasing and deeply rooted in place.