The Côte Roannaise spreads over 215 hectares of vines and extends over 13 communes. Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée since 1994, the Côte Roannaise continues to grow in reputation and offers many advantages. This new Wine Route, labeled Vignobles & Découvertes, is the promise of an authentic and friendly discovery of this vineyard where Gamay Saint-Romain reigns supreme.
A wine route between Loire and Volcanoes
Between Clermont-Ferrand and Lyon, the 215 hectares of the Côte Roannaise vineyard are located in the north of the Loire department. Radiating over a 20 kilometer long hillside, the Côte Roannaise overlooks the Loire and relies on the foothills of mounts of the Madeleine. Gamay Saint-Romain is the main grape variety of this vineyard and therefore expresses a strong identity with fresh and fruity wines.
This new Wine Route is the result of the desire of an entire region to discover this vineyard with its undeniable qualities.
For a weekend or a getaway, you can therefore criss-cross this tourist route dedicated to vineyards and heritage, a stone's throw from the town of Roanne.
![Vu sur les vignes pendant le jeu panique sur la côte roannaise]()
Seen on the vines during the panic game on the Roanne coast © Roannais Tourisme ![Dégustation de vin de la Côte Roannaise à Ambierle]()
Wine tasting of the Côte Roannaise in Ambierle © Clovis Huet / RT
A route favoring soft roaming
The route of the wine route extends from La Pacaudiere north to Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire south of Roanne, approximately 55 km. This route crosses 12 communes of the appellation. This exceptional route, combining nature, heritage and gastronomy can be covered in one day.
The Côte Roannaise is an environmentally friendly vineyard with nearly 60% of wines from Organic Farming. Naturally, this Wine Route gives pride of place to gentle roaming by offering 7 bike loops. Marked circuits for pedestrians are also offered... So many offers in the heart of the vineyards to combine discovery of wines and magnificent Roanne landscapes.
Illustration and Graphics: Clement Barbe
Wines from the Côte Roannaise
In a hilly countryside around charming villages, the vine expresses itself at the roots of the Loire. THE vineyard of the Côte Roannaise it is :
- 215 hectares of vines,
- 39 passionate winegrowers rich in know-how,
- 13 municipalities,
- 90% Gamay Saint-Romain grape variety.
7 mountain bike circuits on the Wine Route
The Wine Route in Côte Roannais can also be traveled by mountain bike. 7 mountain bike circuits from 13,8 km to 23 km which combine the sporting side, nature and heritage by crossing the villages which line the Wine Route.
Loop 3 / La Romantique / Saint-Haon-le-Vieux – Saint-Haon-le-Châtel
Festivals on the Wine Route
From spring to autumn, events follow one another on the wine route. Gourmet stroll in Côte Roannaise, meetings with winegrowers, Fascinating Weekend, they are all related to the oenological theme. These festivals are popular, friendly and are experiences to live to discover our beautiful region.
Firste Gourmet walk in Côte Roannaise
In 2024, the Balade Gourmande will celebrate its 11th anniversary! The dates are set, meet on Saturday July 6 and Sunday July 7, 2024. Next year, the Village de Caractère en Loire of Saint-Haon-le-Chatel and the village of Saint-Haon-le-Vieux will host this event. An unmissable summer event to meet local restaurateurs and winegrowers.
Saturday July 6: The Gourmet Stroll in VIP evening mode! The appointment is given for a night tour in the Village de Caractère Saint-Haon-le-Châtel with 4 departures from 19 p.m. to 20:30 p.m. On the program, musical and festive atmosphere.
Sunday July 7: This year, Saint-Haon-le-Vieux is hosting the Gourmet Walk with a new circuit, this time on the vineyard side! From starter to dessert, in 5 steps, you will enjoy a gourmet meal and wines in a warm, rural atmosphere.
Winegrower meetings
A new concept of guided tours is proposed: winegrower meetings. Meet our winegrowers for a privileged visit of 1h30 within their domains in the heart of the AOC Côte Roannaise vineyard. A VIP welcome will be granted to you with an exclusive tour of the estate, tasting of wines and farm charcuterie.
The Fascinating Weekend
Destinations labeled " Vineyards & Discoveries » are mobilizing throughout the territory during the Fascinant Weekend by offering events around the theme of wine. Come to the heart of the Roannais & Forez vineyards for a fascinating weekend! You will have the choice between unusual evenings, concerts in the vineyards, gourmet hikes, dinners with starred chefs, discovery of the heritage...
DID YOU KNOW ?
Since 2019, 18 winegrowers from the Cote Roannaise have joined the Volcanic Loire. This association brings together winegrowers united to promote the exceptional terroirs of the Massif Central. Their slogan: “Between Loire and Volcanoes, a preserved vineyard”.
Why a Wine Route?
Our territory is fortunate to have a quality vineyard with a growing reputation thanks to its Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée and its obtaining of the label Vineyards & Discoveries.
The winegrowers, concerned about wanting to discover their terroir but also their know-how, naturally turn to wine tourism.
Also, magnificent Villages of Character dot the route of the Wine Route without forgetting the very rich gastronomic offer of Roannais.
With all these assets, a Wine Route project can only be a success for the notoriety of our destination and the region's wines.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
The Wine Route in Côte Roannaise
42310
La Pacaudiere
Lucile's opinion
Originally from Roannaise, I am proud of this terroir and to see the growing notoriety of Côte Roannaise wines. Going to meet the winegrowers on a route imagined for the discovery of the territory, Here is an idea that I like. Tasting, bike ride, village visit, this wine route has everything you need!
