Roman Wine Odyssey
France
Chapter 2 of the Roman Wine Odyssey, Gallia: 5 wine trails and 46 stops.
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Chapter 2: Gallia
- The Rhône Corridor The Rhône was Rome's superhighway into Gaul. Lugdunum (Lyon) was the capital of all Gaul. This adventure follows the river south through the legendary slopes of Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, and Hermitage — where Romans first terraced impossibly steep hillsides to create some of the world's greatest Syrah. 10 stops · 1–2 weeks · challenging
- Burdigala to Narbo The Romans connected Burdigala (Bordeaux) to Narbo (Narbonne) via the Garonne River and ancient trade routes. This epic journey traverses France's wine heartland, from Saint-Émilion's Roman-era vineyards through Gaillac, Toulouse, and the medieval fortress of Carcassonne to the Mediterranean coast. 12 stops · 1–2 weeks · moderate
- Loire Roman Trail The Loire Valley was Roman Gaul's garden, supplying wine to legions across the empire. This trail follows the river through Tours (Caesarodunum), exploring Roman remains and the diverse wines from Vouvray to Sancerre. 6 stops · 1 week · easy
- Mosella Valley The poet Ausonius wrote 'Mosella' (c. 371 AD), a love letter to Moselle Valley wines. Romans planted Champagne's first vines and established Reims (Durocortorum) as a major city. This trail explores Roman monuments and the birthplace of the world's most celebrated sparkling wine. 8 stops · 1 week · easy
- Via Domitia The Via Domitia (118 BC) was Rome's first road in Gaul, connecting Italy to Spain through some of the finest wine country on Earth. This adventure follows the ancient highway past the world's best-preserved Roman arena, the perfect temple, the towering aqueduct, and the legendary vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. 10 stops · 1–2 weeks · easy