Saint-Joseph appellation is located on the right bank of northern Rhone and is situated on the 45th parallel where the Syrah varietal reigns supreme. The vineyards have been planted on steep hillside terraces for centuries. Saint-Joseph wine was formerly known as Vin de Mauves; its current name was coined by Jesuits in the 17th century. The appellation is known for its red wines, made predominantly from Syrah, which are powerful and elegant, and, on a smaller scale, for whites made from Roussanne and/or Marsanne.

The vineyards of Saint-Joseph were planted by the Greeks and later maintained by the Romans, who already saw potential in the steep slopes on the right bank of the Rhône.

In the 20th century, the winemakers formed a union to protect the Saint-Joseph appellation, and in 15th June 1956, the wine was officially recognized as an AOC. The appellation area runs through 26 communes including over 3,200 acres. The vineyards wind their way through Chavanay to Guilherand, connecting Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie in the north with Saint-Péray and Cornas in the south.

Information by: Vins Rhone

The climate here is semi-continental, and harvests are relatively late. There are a few variations in soil and sun exposure, but the combination of Mediterranean and continental climates makes the wines of Saint-Joseph distinctive.

The vineyards are planted largely on terraces on fairly steep slopes, a crucial factor for sun exposure and drainage. The main component of the appellation's soil is granite, but other elements are present and have an impact on production. The southern area is made up of tender gneiss and complex, acidic granite. The diversity of the appellation soils gives the wines their character and provides the three varietals (Syrah, Marsanne and Roussanne) grown here with all the nutrients they need to flourish.