The wine of Cairanne is renowned far beyond the country’s borders. A stroll through the village reveals the story of a terroir rooted in Roman times.
Cairanne lies in the northern Vaucluse, by the Rhône Valley. From its hilltop perch, the village overlooks a sea of vineyards: the land that has forged its wealth and its reputation.
The long history of a wine-growing village
Archaeologists have confirmed a very ancient occupation on the land of Cairanne, dating back at least to the Neolithic period, and numerous Roman remains have been found beneath the village. The modern village emerged in the 12th century as a fief of the Order of the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem, before passing under Papal authority in the 14th century.
In the 19th century, many inhabitants moved from the hilltop down to the plain, but the old village retained its historic buildings. Until then, only two gates allowed access to the village: the Porte d’Autan and the Porte du Sergent, defended by a barbican. The Saint Roch Chapel, built in 1726 after a plague outbreak, and the 19th-century neo-Romanesque church add to the historic charm of Cairanne.
A world-renowned wine
Viticulture in Cairanne dates back to Roman times. Wine production flourished with the advent of railway transport in the 19th century. The cooperative winery, founded in 1929, now brings together 200 winemakers and represents 80% of the appellation.
Cairanne is one of the 16 villages in the Rhône Valley to have its name associated with the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages since 1953. Its wines are distinguished by their globally recognized quality. The grape varieties cultivated here include red grapes such as Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault, as well as white varieties like Clairette, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, and Viognier.
Exploring the Old Village
Several ancient structures remain, bearing witness to the village’s history and making a walk through the old streets enchanting, with breathtaking views over the surrounding region. As you wander Cairanne’s narrow lanes, you’ll discover many facets of its past. The old rampart path is lined with two round towers and a square tower known as the “Templars’ Tower.” A stone-paved staircase leads up to the Keep and the Saint Roch Chapel (1726), near the Porte d’Autanne.
Cairanne, perched on a hill amidst vineyards, offers magnificent panoramas from its summit: to the east, the Dentelles de Montmirail and Mont Ventoux rise in the distance, while the view opens southward over the Rhône Valley and beyond toward the Cévennes.
Find a Guest House near Cairanne
Whether you’re a lover of wine or history, come discover this picturesque village, where winegrowing tradition and historical heritage blend in the heart of Provence.