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The sunny southern part of France may be well known in travel circles for the beaches of the French Riviera, but among wine lovers it is the fruit of the vineyards that makes this area shine.

The area has been known for fine wines since ancient Roman times. Caesar himself was noted to have warmed to the wines, as well to the weather of Provence.

A vineyard in Fréjus, Provence. Photo credit: CIVP Provence Wine Council

While the overgrowing of vines in the past may have dropped the reputation of many of the areas wines, a new focus on quality has been in effect for years and the wines are once again taking their rightful place among the best in the world.

The principle appellation of the region is Côtes de Provence. Others are Bandol, Bellet, Cassis, Coteaux d'Aix, Baux-de-Provence and Coteaux Varois. The Provence region covers the territory of the Côte d'Azur in the South of France, from Aix en Provence and the Rhône valley to the French Riviera near Nice reaching back to touch the Alps.

The grapes that Provence is known for are the Mediterranean carignan, grenache, cinsault, mourvedre, and the unique tibouren for rosés. Syrah and cabernet sauvignon have been introduced to the region and are increasingly popular as well.

More information about Provence wines & vineyards around the Web:

Provence Wines - Discover all you want to know about wines of the region is supplemented by in-depth information on the towns and villages with hiking trails, a bit of history and some excellent pictures of the area's attractions.

Wines of Provence - Here's the official site of the Provence wine makers with a complete history, information on the terroirs, the grapes, the processes that are used to turn them to wines, the wines themselves, tourism in Côtes de Provence and much, much more. Be sure to have a look at the photo gallery while you're there...

Provence Wine Information - This site covers the vineyards, soil, wine production, grapes in Provence with maps, food wine pairing suggestions and specific information about Côtes de Provence, Bandol and Bellet wines and terroir. There is a link to online shopping for the wines of Provence.