The Rhône Divide: Syrah, Grenache & Beyond

One river, two distinct wine-worlds. What connects the steep granite slopes of Saint-Joseph to the sun-drenched vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape? One legendary river. Two remarkably different wine worlds. Rhône Uncorked: Two Worlds, One ValleyThree Northern Rhône Wines. Three Southern Rhône Wines. Six Expressions of an Extraordinary Region. How can one river give rise to such dramatically different wines? Why does Syrah develop its distinctive peppery elegance on the steep hillsides of the Northern Rhône? What makes the blends of Châteauneuf-du-Pape so complex? And how do the region's remarkable white wines challenge the idea that the Rhône is primarily a land of powerful reds? Welcome to the Rhône Valley, one of France's oldest and most fascinating wine regions, where centuries of winemaking traditions meet an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, climates and grape varieties. From the granite terraces of the Northern Rhône to the Mediterranean vineyards of the South, this is a journey through two distinct wine identities. The region's winemaking heritage reaches back to Roman times. Centuries later, the Avignon Papacy contributed to the growing reputation of the southern vineyards, while the steep slopes of the Northern Rhône became home to some of the world's most celebrated expressions of Syrah. But what makes the Rhône truly fascinating is its diversity. In the North, Syrah reigns supreme among red grapes, producing wines celebrated for their aromatic complexity, elegance and ageing potential. Marsanne and Roussanne reveal another side of the region, with whites ranging from floral freshness to remarkable richness and depth. In the South, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and other varieties create expressive blends shaped by Mediterranean sunshine, diverse soils and the powerful mistral wind. 🍷 Join the EU Sommelier Association for a guided tasting of SIX Rhône Valley wines, exploring three wines from the North and three from the South. Our journey will take us through some of the region's most fascinating appellations, including Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. And there is another intriguing dimension to this tasting: time. Two Northern Rhône Syrahs from the 2015 vintage will offer an opportunity to explore how these wines evolve with age, developing complexity beyond their youthful fruit and spice. We will also compare white wines from North and South, discover the role of blending in the Southern Rhône, and explore how terroir shapes the identity of each appellation. Can you recognise the signature of Syrah? How does a mature Northern Rhône red compare with a younger Southern Rhône blend? And which region produces the white wine that surprises you most? Whether you are discovering the Rhône for the first time or already appreciate its legendary appellations, this tasting promises an engaging exploration of one of France's most diverse wine regions. One river. Two wine worlds. Six wines to discover. RHÔNE UNCORKED — THE SIX WINES Northern Rhône • Saint-Joseph Blanc — Jean-François Jacouton • Saint-Joseph “Les Rivoires” 2015 — Domaine Belle • Crozes-Hermitage “Cuvée Louis Belle” 2015 — Domaine Belle Southern Rhône • “Substrat” 2021 — Mourièsse Vinum • Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2023 — Domaine de l'Abbé Dîne • Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2023 — Villa Safranier Places are limited — reserve your seat and join us!