Nestled between Orange and Avignon, Roquemaure is the link between Provence and Languedoc. A place where the history of wine is the region’s history. A region where the streets and hills are steeped in centuries of winegrowing traditions.
Roquemaure wasn't always the quiet village it is today. The first mention of “Rocca Maura” dates back to 1096. Later, in 1209, an exchange between Count Raymond VI and the Pope indicates that the Count was joining the Crusade. As a token of his loyalty, he handed to the Pope seven of his castles, including the Castrum of Rocca Maura.
In the 17th century, Roquemaure became a major port on the Rhône, facilitating the transport of the region's wines by boat. This port activity made the town an essential commercial crossroads for wine, a historical link that continues to shape its winegrowing identity.
The history of the Côtes du Rhône appellation is closely linked with Roquemaure and its central role in the region's winegrowing history. It was in 1737, the quality of Côtes du Rhône wines started to be officially recognized. At that time, the King of France ordered an innovative measure: the engraving of the letters “CDR” on the barrels’ staves, along with the vintage and place of harvest. This marked not only the authenticity of wines produced in the Rhône Valley, but also their quality and controlled origin, long before the invention of modern appellations.
This royal decision was not simply an administrative measure, but a fundamental act that would influence the development of Côtes du Rhône as an appellation. It recongnized the specificity of the wines produced in our region as France's greatest wine-growing terroirs. This enabled Côtes du Rhône wines to stand out in the marketplace, particularly against those produced in other regions.
Roquemaure was already a major player in the wine trade, thanks to its strategic river port on the Rhône. This new recognition enabled local winemakers to enhance the reputation of their products.. This legitimacy led to a sustained growth in trade and the consolidation of the region's reputation, which even today is synonymous with wines of character.
It was not until much later, in 1937, that the Côtes du Rhône appellation was officially recognized as an AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée), reinforcing the legacy begun in 1737.
Since 1922, the Rocca Maura cooperative winery has embodied the winegrowing soul of Roquemaure. Now a living testimony to the passion of local winemakers, this production site continues to celebrate and pass on age-old know-how.
Far from being a mere production site, Rocca Maura invites visitors on a journey to the heart of local history, discovering wines that tell the story of the evolution of the village, its landscapes and its people. The cooperative, which brings together a small, close-knit team, maintains ancestral practices while remaining attentive to new production methods, guaranteeing quality wines rich in character.
Over the years, the winery has become a must-see site for wine lovers and those curious to feel the authentic atmosphere of the region. Visitors can taste carefully crafted wines.
Rocca Maura is more than just a tasting place: it's a major player in local life. A long-standing presence at the region's cultural and festive events, Rocca Maura plays an active role in events such as the St. Valentine's Day celebration in Roquemaure. This celebration commemorates the arrival of Saint Valentine's relics, brought directly from Roma, Italy in 1868. It’s a festive occasion where winemakers share their products with locals and visitors in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
The cooperative winery is open all year long, so that everyone can discover the secrets of its production. A visit to Rocca Maura is like entering a place steeped in history, a place where respect for tradition and passion for wine come together to offer an unforgettable experience.
Set in a landscape of hills and vineyards, Roquemaure is truly the cradle of Côtes du Rhône. Its enchanting landscapes provide the ideal backdrop for a winegrowing getaway. Located halfway between Orange and Avignon, the town is a must for discovering one of France's greatest wine-growing terroirs.
What's more, Roquemaure is close to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including :
Pont du Gard
The historic center of Avignon
Orange's Ancient Theater and Arc de Triomphe
Cave of Pont d'Arc, known as Grotte Chauvet 2
The city of Nîmes and its Arena
Come and discover Roquemaure, a place where history, culture and wine come together to offer an unforgettable experience. Between tradition and modernity, this town invites you to experience a unique journey through the centuries, while tasting the flavors of the past.
However, it's important to note that wine, while essential to the local economy, is subject to the vagaries of climate and the challenges of agriculture. Over the years, our winery has adapted to changing conditions, between unpredictable weather, vine diseases and necessary treatments. Thanks to the hard work of our winemakers and cellar teams, we have been able to maintain a wide range of wines. Our aim is to perpetuate this heritage, while remaining attentive to the needs of our customers, ready to explain the different stages of elaboration in order to best meet their expectations.
Important dates :
1737 : “CDR” First Côtes du Rhône appellation
1868 : Saint-Valentine's Relics brought to Roquemaure
1922 : Creation of the Cooperative Cellar in Roquemaure
1937 : Creation of the « Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée » (AOC)
1947 : Creation of Cru Lirac
2021 : Rocca Nostra - France's first cooperative winegrowers' brewery
2024 : Laudun becomes Cru of Côtes du Rhône
2024 : 1st Coop in our region (Occitanie) to vinify Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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