We couldn't be prouder to have Côtes du Rhône as our headline sponsor this year, so let's get you acquainted before you hit their stand on 17 October.
Follow the Rhône south from Lyon and the wine changes as fast as the scenery. Up north it's steep granite slopes and Syrah: dark, peppery, a little bit brooding. Past Montélimar the valley opens out into sun-baked vines, olive trees and garrigue, the wild scrub of thyme, rosemary and lavender that somehow ends up in your glass. This is where most Côtes du Rhône is made, and where Grenache takes the lead.
Most of what you'll taste is red, and most of it is a blend. Grenache brings the generosity: ripe strawberry, raspberry and a warm, spicy glow. Syrah adds colour, structure and a crack of black pepper. Mourvèdre brings darker fruit and an earthy, almost meaty depth. Put them together and you get round, juicy, easy-to-love reds with enough backbone for a proper dinner.
Don't walk past the whites and rosés, either. The whites are textured and generous, all stone fruit, blossom and a gentle nuttiness, and the rosés are dry, pale and made for long lunches. Keep an eye out for Côtes du Rhône Villages on the label too, which is a step up the ladder from a smaller set of villages with stricter rules.
Now for the bit we're most excited about. Côtes du Rhône wants you to drink their reds chilled. Not fridge-cold, just 20 to 30 minutes in the fridge before pouring. The fruit snaps into focus, the alcohol calms down, and a red that might feel heavy on a busy festival floor suddenly tastes bright and lively. Trust us, it's a game changer.
Our tip for the day: try a red at room temperature, then the same wine chilled, side by side. Then grab a seat at A Guide to Côtes du Rhône with The Wine Wally, our masterclass (2.55pm in the afternoon session or 6.35pm in the evening) for the deep dive. Spaces are limited, so book early.