The Rhône Valley is a must-see destination for wine lovers all year round, and 2025 is no exception. Between trade fairs, festivals, and markets dedicated to Rhône Valley wines, the region offers a wide range of events that allow you to delve into the heart of its rich and varied terroirs. Whether you’re an enlightened wine connoisseur or simply curious about new discoveries, these events are a showcase of passion, conviviality, and sharing over a glass of Côtes du Rhône. And since wine isn’t something to be enjoyed alone, organizers are also focusing on activities, meetings with independent winemakers, wine workshops, and gastronomic tours to delight your eyes and taste buds. It’s the perfect time to mark your calendar with the key dates where Vignobles & Découvertes combines festive and enriching moments. Not to mention that some of these events run alongside or are part of larger events such as Vinexpo, transforming the Rhône Valley into a vibrant theater of wine culture!
Which wine fairs should you prioritize in the Rhône Valley in 2025?
Fairs are must-visit events for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the world of Rhône Valley wines, discover the latest trends, and enjoy rare tastings. The Tain l’Hermitage Wine Fair, celebrating its 41st edition in February 2025 at the Espace Rochegude, is a must-see. Here, 70 winegrowers from prestigious appellations such as Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Crozes-Hermitage, and Saint-Joseph await you to explore the diversity of northern wines.
The event goes well beyond the simple tasting glass: there is a Gastronomic space with 18 producers offering ravioli, foie gras, truffles and other local delights. This is the ideal opportunity to combine local flavors with exceptional vintages. To liven things up, wine workshops, culinary demonstrations led by chefs as well as original bike or train rides enhance the weekend.
At the same time, the Salons des Vignerons Indépendants, notably the one in Lyon scheduled for March at Eurexpo, are also creating a buzz. This meeting brings together hundreds of winegrowers from all over France with a particular emphasis on conviviality and authenticity. A moment to take the pulse of the industry and support artisans who combine quality with passion.
| Event 🍷 | Dates 📅 | Location 📍 | Highlights ✨ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tain l’Hermitage Wine Fair | February 21-23, 2025 | Tain l’Hermitage (Drôme) | 70 winegrowers, 8 appellations, workshops and gastronomy |
| Independent Winegrowers Show | March 7-9, 2025 | Lyon, Eurexpo | Winegrowers from all over France, friendly atmosphere |
| Bordeaux Independent Winegrowers’ Show | March 14-16, 2025 | Bordeaux | Discovery of Bordeaux wines and other regions |
For those who want to know more about the Bordeaux vineyards before going there, just consult this complete guide on Bordeaux wines, just to play the well-prepared joker card!
Wine Festival and highlights not to be missed in the Rhône Valley
In the festive and immersive events category, you’ll find Le Grand Week-End des Crozes-Hermitage, held from April 25 to 27, 2025, in Mercurol. This wine festival is the perfect opportunity to taste directly from the source, with some fifty wineries and estates ready to offer you their treasures at producer prices. Crozes-Hermitage, Condrieu, Cornas, Côte-Rôtie… you’ll find yourself in front of a selection of the finest Syrah, Marsanne, and Roussanne grape varieties!
With a Foodie Village that takes its cues from local cuisine seriously, you can forget your diet for a few hours by pairing local wines with street food. The evening is also top-notch, with pop-up open-air cafés, wood-fired banquets, and intimate tastings in the vineyards. It’s a true showcase of terroirs and wines that reveal their full character in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. In the more natural and authentic category, head to Saint-Égrève from April 25th to 27th for the “À la rencontre des vins naturels” (Natural Wines Encounter) trade show. This show showcases passionate winemakers from across France who produce natural wines, these living nectars made with minimal intervention. Here, we reconnect with nature in the glass, through raw and sincere flavors. Festival 🎉
Dates 📅
| Location 📍 | Main Focus 🎯 | Grand Week-End des Crozes-Hermitage | April 25-27, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercurol (Drôme) | Tasting at producer prices, Foodie Village, open-air cafés | Natural Wine Fair | April 25-27, 2025 |
| Saint-Égrève (Isère) | Natural wines, discussions with committed winemakers | For those passionate about deep terroirs and history, don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of the Rhône region thanks to these walks that tell the story of wine through the centuries. A dive far from the beaten track. | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwFPyD9dZZs |
Wine Markets and other wine events in the Rhône region The Rhône Valley is no exception when it comes to wine markets and events, where wine is synonymous with conviviality and hassle-free fun. The Ampuis Wine Market, which will take place from January 17th to 20th, is in keeping with the purest Rhône tradition. This 96th edition offers the opportunity to meet some sixty winemakers from the valley, with over 300 wines to taste, including some wonderful surprises from the Northern Rhône appellations.It’s not uncommon for these markets to accompany side activities aimed at promoting the art of tasting and food and wine pairings. The best deal? Participate in the tasting workshops and why not discover the magic of natural wine, in conjunction with the dynamic Saint-Égrève Natural Wine Fair. These experiences will enrich your palate and your knowledge, allowing you to better savor the richness of the Côtes du Rhône. Event 🍇
Location 🌍
Benefits 🍾
Ampuis Wine Market
| January 17-20, 2025 | Ampuis (Rhône) | Presentation of 300 wines, 60 winemakers, tasting workshops | Discoveries in the Rhône Valley |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 31 – April 3, 2025 | Ampuis, Mercurol-Veaunes, Avignon | 500 producers, masterclasses, new vintage previews | For those who want to explore beyond the Rhône Valley, details on wine festivals in other French regions, particularly in the Loire, can be found here: |
| Wine festivals in the Loire 2025 | , a great way to expand your winemaking horizons without compromising on quality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kblT35uwQqw | How to fully enjoy the Vienna Wine Festival? | The Vienne Wine Festival is a highlight that brings together enthusiasts and professionals each year to celebrate Côtes du Rhône wines. It takes place over several days, offering a rich and diverse program. It’s a true festival featuring tastings, events, concerts, and exhibitions. To ensure you’re on the right track and enjoy your visit to the fullest, here are some tips: |
🎯 Plan your visit:Take the time to check the specific dates and the detailed program to target the events that interest you.
Participate in guided tastings:
This is an opportunity to learn more about the region’s many appellations and their unique characteristics.
- 🛍️ Enjoy the Wine Market: Buy your wine directly from the producers and receive personalized advice.
- 🎶 Discover the cultural events: Concerts, theatrical walks, and meetings with local artisans enliven the atmosphere. 📚
- Learn more at workshops and conferences: Strengthen your knowledge of the terroir and the winemaking profession, without the hassle. This festive moment is a blend of conviviality where discovery is combined with the joy of sharing. To learn more while having fun, discover fascinating portraits and stories related to the region on
- the history of Beaujolais Nouveau, a beloved neighbor of the Côtes du Rhône. Discover unique wine events! Join us to explore the world of wine through tastings, workshops, and festivals. An unforgettable experience for wine lovers and novices alike. Terres de Vins Tasting: Tips for a Full Experience
- The Terres de Vins Tasting is a unique opportunity to meet winemakers and discover a wide range of Rhône Valley wines. This type of event emphasizes discussion and conviviality, a far cry from the sometimes formal atmosphere of trade fairs. Here are some tips to fully enjoy these tastings: 🍇
Prepare your palate: Hydrate and avoid coming after a heavy meal for optimal tasting.📋
Give yourself a notebook or an app so you don’t forget the wines that have left an impression on you.
🗣️
Talk to the winemakers:
- They have anecdotes and fascinating stories to share about their terroirs. 🚶 Explore the different terroirs:
- Make the effort to taste a variety of AOCs, from the north to the south of the Rhône. 🎁 Take advantage of special offers:
- These events often offer great prices to build or expand your cellar. Tips & tricks 🍷 Why? 🤔
- Hydration before tasting Promotes sensations and prevents taste fatigue Take notes
- Helps remember favorite wines and refine your choices Talk with winemakers Discover the stories of the terroir and winemaking
| Vary the appellations | Appreciate the full diversity of the Côtes du Rhône |
|---|---|
| Take advantage of promotions | To find great deals and stock your cellar |
| To avoid being confined to the Rhône Valley, also consider visiting iconic vineyards like those of Savoie-Bugey, whose wines are equally astonishing. A perfect starting point is this practical guide | to buying wine in Savoie-Bugey |
| and discovering new flavors off the beaten track. | FAQs about wine events in the Rhône Valley in 2025 |
| What are the best months to participate in wine events in the Rhône Valley? The months of February through April are home to several major trade fairs, such as the Tain-l’Hermitage Wine Fair and the Independent Winegrowers’ Fairs. April is also very busy with festivals and markets. | How can I access tastings during these events? |
| Most shows require prior registration, often with the purchase of an entry ticket giving access to the tastings. Don’t forget to come with a suitable vehicle or plan solutions to get back safely. | Can we buy wine directly from the producers? |
Yes, most events such as the Ampuis Wine Market and the Grand Week-End des Crozes-Hermitage offer direct sales at producer prices, a great opportunity to build up a personal cellar. Do the events welcome novice amateurs? Absolutely, these festivals and fairs are aimed at all profiles. Introductory workshops and masterclasses are often on the program to support beginners.
