Wines of the Luberon

Wines from the south of the Rhône Valley

Even though the Luberon is in the south of France, the wines of Luberon actually belong to the Vallée du Rhône wine family! Some prestigious vineyards originate from this appellation, with two distinctly different geographical areas: the first is characterised by the steep slopes, facing south and enjoying a continental climate, while the second, Mediterranean in nature, stretches its vines across drier land amid olive trees and lavender. Here in the east of the Vallée du Rhône, discover exceptional wines nurtured in the unspoilt setting of the Luberon Regional Nature Park.

A Luberon destination awarded the “Vignobles & Découvertes” label

The Vignobles & Découvertes label is a brand managed by Atout France, in association with the Conseil Supérieur de l’Œnotourisme. This distinction is awarded to a wine tourism destination for a period of three years, in recognition of the quality of its services. The label therefore encompasses not only wine cellars, but also accommodation, restaurants, events and activities focused on bringing together winegrowers and visitors, who come to taste, purchase and learn about wine. 

AOC Luberon wines: a symphony of colours

Imagine yourself beneath the radiant sun in the south of France, facing the mountains, at the foot of the vineyards, a glass of Luberon wine in hand: welcome to South Luberon! Most wine cellars hold the Luberon AOC designation. The Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (French designation of origin) serves to safeguard a terroir, a shared heritage. It complies with certain production rules relating, for example, to the grape varieties used to make a given wine. One of the distinctive features of the Luberon AOC wines is the significant presence of vermentino grapes, a highly aromatic variety also found in Corsica and Italy.

You will also taste Syrah, Grenache (both red) and white Grenache, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Roussanne, and Viognier (white varieties). All three wine colours are produced in the Luberon: 54% rosé wines, 23% red wines, 23% white wines.

From Astérix to the present day: a little history

We owe it to the Romans, who planted the first vines in the Luberon. The history of wine in the region is therefore very ancient. For hundreds of years, they were cultivated on the Luberon hillsides with varying degrees of success. In the second half of the 20th century, improved production techniques gave vine cultivation in the Luberon a new boost. In the late 1970s, local winegrowers began working towards obtaining an officially protected designation of origin (AOC), which they achieved in 1988.

The finest wine cellars, exceptional service

For wine lovers, a fine cellar is like a museum. Rows of fine vintages take the place of paintings, but the pleasure remains the same. Here is a selection of the most beautiful wine cellars in South Luberon. Cellars that welcome you and offer workshops on wine and oenology, as well as a terrace where you can truly savour the wine and grasp its identity. Here, the aim is not just to discover and buy, but to understand the history of the estate, immerse yourself in its world, and enjoy sociable evenings that blend tourism with wine appreciation.

To produce a fine wine, you first need excellent grapes, the harmony between soil, grape variety and climate is essential. In the Luberon, several types of soil can be found, all sharing the common feature of a limestone base. The vines are cultivated at altitudes between 200 and 500 metres, mainly on the mountain slopes. Above all, the unique climate of the Luberon has a decisive influence on the grapes, and therefore on the wines. The Luberon is indeed a complex area, subject to a Mediterranean climate tempered by Alpine influences. Cool air currents from the nearby Alps follow the valleys of the Calavon (to the north) and the Durance River (to the south), bringing in cool air. This cooler air brings about remarkable temperature variations throughout the area, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly over the summer.

Natural wines with no added sulphites

The wine estates in the Luberon are dedicated to offering wines that are as natural as possible. It is impossible to find a wine that is 100% sulphite-free, as the natural fermentation of grapes inevitably produces sulphites in very small quantities. A wine with no added sulphites is the result of exceptionally meticulous work, as it first requires harvesting the grapes in perfect condition and maintaining impeccable hygiene in the cellar. So why choose wine without added sulphites? We now know that sulphites are harmful to your health. They generally cause symptoms such as stomach pain, migraines, inflammation, cramps, and even fatigue. Some people tolerate them better than others, which explains the differences in symptoms (intensity, frequency, etc.) among consumers. If you wish to discover wine estates in the Luberon where nature takes centre stage, here is a small, non-exhaustive selection. You will note that most of the wineries in South Luberon are certified organic or in the process of conversion!

To make the right choice, you need to be true to yourself and your values. All wines deserve to be discovered and savoured, whether they are sulphite-free, organic or S.A.I.N.S.-certified. Behind every wine, there is the winemaker and their team working hard to deliver the very best. Don’t limit yourself to what is written on the label; they don’t reflect the work of a whole year, or even a lifetime! There is no right or wrong choice; these labels can help with your final decision, but above all, they should never prevent you from discovering new wines.

Winemakers’ cooperatives

A mosaic of terroirs in one place! Created in response to the crisis at the end of the 19th century, winemakers’ cooperatives are now united and resilient. Do you know the difference between a ‘vinicole‘ cellar and a ‘viticole‘ cellar? Everything related to the cultivation of vines is referred to as ‘viticulture’, or winegrowing, whereas the creation and production of wine falls under ‘viniculture’, or winemaking. The Luberon wine estate can therefore tend to its land, vines and grapes, and entrust the winemaking process to the winemakers’ cooperative.

Wine workshops in the Luberon

Do you speak wine? The red wines are generous, with fruity aromas and spicy finishes. For young wines, the aromas are primarily centred around red or black fruits, while those aged for longer reveal a complex palate, with notes of garrigue and ripe black fruits.
Rosé wines are lively and aromatic, with notes of red fruits, citrus or exotic fruits.
The white wines are beautifully fresh, with aromas ranging from white flowers and citrus to more complex notes in aged wines, such as toasted bread, honey, and quince. Take part in a wine workshop to discover more about wine with passionate experts!

Did you know?

AOC or PDO? AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) is the French designation. It guarantees the traceability of the wines’ origin and adherence to strict specifications. PDO (Protected Designation of Origin, or ‘AOP’ in French) is the European designation. In France, wine producers can choose between using the French or the European designation.

The Inter Rhône Classifications

Good to know: an ‘Inter Rhone’ quality charter for tasting cellars has been established in the Rhone Valley. Formerly associated with a classification system based on the vine leaves, the approach has evolved for greater clarity:

• Tasting Cellar where wines can be sampled and purchased. This cellar with a somewhat family atmosphere proposes wine tasting sessions in the best possible conditions.
• Discovery Cellar which proposes tastings and showcases the winegrowing profession. This wine cellar can be visited to enhance your knowledge.
• The Experience Cellar where you can taste the wines, learn about the winegrowing profession, and enjoy a whole wine-related experience.