Level 2 multiple choice questions you can answer in minutes

Level 3 essay prompts with simple pointers on where to aim

Class news, events, and trip updates

Short quizzes and tasting tips to keep skills sharp

Where the Rhône sits

From just south of Lyon down to the borders with Languedoc and Provence

Pre-Alps to the east, Massif Central to the west

Latitude 44–45, similar to Oregon's Willamette Valley

Production snapshot

About 75% red, 16% rosé, 9% white

Roughly 95% of total volume comes from the Southern Rhône

Appellations you will see

Côtes du Rhône AOC (1937) applies across North and South, used mostly in the South

Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC (1960) applies only in the South, with 95 named villages

North vs South

Different grapes, climate, soils, and training systems

Unified by the Rhône River and the Mistral

What it is

A cold, dry north wind driven by pressure differences that accelerates down the valley

How strong it can get

Often 30–45 mph, gusts can exceed 60 mph

Recorded at 72 mph on April 6, 2003, just below Category 1 hurricane strength

When it shows up

Most common in winter and early spring

Often arrives with clear blue skies because the air is very dry

Why it helps and hurts

Helps: dries leaves and bunches, lowers disease pressure, supports organic viticulture

Hurts: can shatter flowers at fruit set and reduce yields, can break shoots or damage vines

Northern Rhône

Choose sites in lateral valleys to reduce exposure

Steep, terraced, south to southeast aspects for heat and light

Individual stakes or teepee stakes to anchor Syrah against the wind

Southern Rhône

Fewer natural wind breaks, so plant windbreaks and use careful trellising

Grenache is bush trained low to the ground for protection and soil warmth

Syrah is more wind sensitive and benefits from strong trellis support

Level 3: be ready to explain the Mistral's cause, timing, benefits, risks, and the training choices that respond to it. Know where Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages fit on labels.

Level 2: use this overview to organize your thinking before studying the Northern and Southern Rhône in detail.

A focused episode on the Northern Rhône

A focused episode on the Southern Rhône

Newsletter extras for all levels, including a Level 3 essay prompt and Level 2 quizzes for both North and South

Level 2 multiple choice questions you can answer in minutes

Level 3 essay prompts with simple pointers on where to aim

Class news, events, and trip updates

Short quizzes and tasting tips to keep skills sharp