Festival of the Vine and Wine

Festival of the Vine and Wine: Suze-la-Rousse, wine capital of Drôme provençale

In the heart of Drôme provençale, the village of Suze-la-Rousse is dominated by its imposing medieval castle, which has housed the renowned University of Wine since 1978. Every autumn, the commune celebrates its wine identity during the Festival of the Vine and Wine, a festive event that brings together winemakers, producers, and wine lovers around one of the most beautiful terroirs in the Rhône Valley.

An exceptional terroir: the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Suze-la-Rousse

Suze-la-Rousse sits amidst 16 km² of vineyards producing the renowned Côtes du Rhône Villages wines. The Suze-la-Rousse appellation, recognized as Côtes du Rhône Villages with geographical designation, produces powerful and elegant red wines, fresh rosés, and aromatic whites. The Festival of the Vine and Wine is the ideal opportunity to discover this wine richness.

Tastings, tours, and oenological discoveries

The festival offers a rich program centered around wine and the vine:

• Tastings: winemakers and cooperative wineries offer their vintages for free and commented tastings
• Cellar tours: open house at the appellation's wine estates
• Oenological workshops: introductions to tasting, food and wine pairings, discovery of grape varieties
• Producers' market: Provençal regional products — olive oil, cheeses, cured meats, honey
• Castle tours: discovery of the Château de Suze-la-Rousse and its history linked to wine

The Château de Suze-la-Rousse and the University of Wine

The Château de Suze-la-Rousse is a remarkable monument, classified as a Historic Monument, blending medieval and Renaissance architecture. Since 1978, it has housed the University of Wine, an internationally recognized training center offering over a hundred courses annually: viticulture, oenology, sommellerie, wine trade, wine tourism. The castle also offers a visitor trail dedicated to the history of the vine and wine in the Rhône Valley.

A popular festival in the heart of Drôme provençale

The Festival of the Vine and Wine is a convivial gathering that attracts wine lovers and the curious from all over the region. Musical entertainment, winemakers' meals, vineyard walks, and shows complete the program of this festive day. The event contributes to the tourist appeal of Suze-la-Rousse and the entire Enclave des Papes, a unique wine territory located at the borders of Drôme, Vaucluse, and Gard.