The History of the Cave de Tain
Located at the foot of the Hermitage vineyard, the Cave de Tain is one of the main wine producers in the Rhône Valley, producing five grand crus: Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Cornas, and Saint-Péray. The Cave de Tain was founded in 1933 by Louis Gambert de Loche. A new cellar was inaugurated in 2015, with these new facilities designed to improve the quality of the wines and expand the range by offering single-parcel wines (wines made from grapes from a single vineyard). Furthermore, these major renovations allowed the creation of a guided tour circuit, a “must-do” during the open house days at the Cave de Tain .
With over 250 cooperative members and 50 employees, the cave vinifies more than 1000 hectares of vines, representing about half of the northern Rhône Valley appellations.
Since 2007, the Cave de Tain has been committed to the "Vignerons et Développement Durable" (Winemakers and Sustainable Development) approach, which was rewarded in 2011 with the Trophée de l'Agriculture Durable for innovative and responsible farming. Today, the Cave offers an organic range for the Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, Cornas, and Saint-Péray appellations.
The Unmissable Guided Tour
Our appellations will hold no secrets for you. During the open house, the cooperative cellar of Tain invites you to discover its production cellar through an immersive guided tour. Learn about its history, the expertise of its winemakers, oenologists, and cellar masters...
A free and immersive visit that will reveal the secrets of the process, from grape reception to the wine library, passing through the fermentation area, aging cellar, and selection room. During the open house at the Cave de Tain, the tours will run non-stop on November 15th and 16th, from 9 AM to 7 PM.
Tasting Workshops
Whether you're a beginner, enthusiast, or expert, there are 8 tasting workshops offered throughout the weekend. Whether you're a fine food lover, a fan of grand cru wines, or a chocolate connoisseur, indulge your taste buds and satisfy your curiosity! These workshops are led by the friendly team at the Cave de Tain, who passionately share their love for the local terroir. Experience perfect wine and food pairings, sometimes surprising, that highlight the wines and products being tasted. Impress your guests at your next meal or aperitif! Special pricing for the open house days at the Cave de Tain: from €15 to €30, limited spots, registration required.
Tasting Workshop Schedule:
- Introduction to Wine Tasting: November 15th & 16th at 10 AM
- Wines and Tapas (finger foods) : November 15th at 11:30 AM
- Wines and Cheese: November 15th at 3 PM
- Hermitage Wines: November 15th at 4:30 PM
- Mixology: November 16th at 11:30 AM
- Wines and Truffles: November 16th at 3 PM
- Wines and Charcuterie (cured meats): November 16th at 4:30 PM
A Gourmet Market for the Open House at the Cave de Tain
Oysters, foie gras, cheese, cured meats, ravioli... and a special guest, the Cave de Ribeauvillé, who will introduce their crémants, Alsace wines, and grand crus! We're already salivating! Indulgence is the highlight of the open house at the Cave de Tain.
Producers will also be present for a gourmet market, offering plates and/or sharing boards to enjoy with a glass of wine. With the end of the year quickly approaching, this market will be the perfect opportunity to stock up on delicious products for your holiday tables. Join us on November 15th and 16th, from 9 AM to 7 PM !
Surprises for the Whole Family at the Open House at the Cave de Tain
The Cave de Tain and its 250 cooperative members are, above all, one big family. Proof of this is that they’ve thought of the little ones for their open house event. Two activities will delight the youngest visitors:
- Dégusta'kid: Your children will engage their senses in a tasting game that will challenge their taste and sight... Free, on November 15th and 16th at 3 PM.
- The Little Train of the Vines: Take a family ride through the vineyards! €10 for adults with a tasting glass, and €5 for children with a non-alcoholic drink, by reservation. On November 15th and 16th at 10:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 2 PM, and 3:15 PM.
A Prestige Evening: "Food & Wine Pairing"
This year, the Cave de Tain is going all out by offering a prestigious "Food & Wine Pairing" evening at the Fief de Gambert on Saturday, November 15th at 7:30 PM !
At the foot of the Hermitage hill, amidst the vineyards, the Fief de Gambert welcomes you into the former home of Louis Gambert de Loche, the founding president of the Cave de Tain, where heritage and terroir blend together to offer you an authentic and unique experience.
The restaurant, which opened in July 2025, invites you to discover a cuisine that is generous, refined, sincere, and seasonal, showcasing local products in perfect harmony with the wines of the Cave de Tain, as well as a selection of wines from other French wine regions.
So, why not take advantage of your visit to the Cave de Tain's Open House days to start your Christmas shopping ? Between tastings, discoveries, and conviviality, it’s the perfect opportunity to find some gourmet gifts !
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