The Rhone Valley, as a wine region, stretches from Viennes, south of the wonderful city of Lyon, virtually all the way down to Avignon. The northern half is fully of steep slopes and terraced vineyards and is home to some of the world's great Syrahs. Wines such as Hermitage and Cote Rotie are found here.

Further south the geography of the region changes. Flat flood plains, often lined with the infamous large galets (big stones), are home to the appellations of Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigondas and Vacqueyras, amongst others. Here the Grenache tends to dominate, although it is often blended with a host of other varietals such as Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan and Cinsault to name but a few.

There is great diversity of styles in this region but a common thread of great value money for money As a rule Rhone tend to be full of character, age well and cost a lot less than their peers from Bordeaux and Burgundy. Quality has never been higher, following a string of great vintages exploited by a new generation of ambitious young winemakers. We have put together a list that features both established names and the hosuehold names of tomorrow.