Over the last several hundred years, France has been the most influential country in the wine world. France is the source of more well-known grape varieties (such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah) and winemaking practices than any other country. The names of many French wine regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne are well-known throughout the world, and the style of top French wines have long been the benchmark for winemaking in most wine-producing countries of the world.

French law divides wine into 3 categories: VDF (Vin De France) carries with it only the producer and the designation that it is from France. IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée) carries with it a specific region within France (for example IGP Languedoc). AOC (Appellation d'Origine Controlee) Wine from a particular area with many other restrictions, including grape varieties & winemaking methods.

The Languedoc Roussillon is an area located along the Mediterranean coastline from the French border with Spain to the region of Provence. It's by far the largest region in terms of vineyard surface.

As suggested by the double-barreled name, Languedoc-Roussillon was once two independent regions – Languedoc and Roussillon. Although the worlds of wine politics and commerce have enduringly grouped the two together, geography and culture separate them; Languedoc is quintessentially French in character, whereas the strong influences of Spanish and Catalan culture are clear across Roussillon.

Languedoc-Roussillon is the home of some of France's most innovative producers, which usually try to combine traditional French wine and international styles and don't hesitate to take lessons from the New World. Much Languedoc-Roussillon wine is sold as Vin de Pays d'Oc and they are showing significant progress in the quality of its wines.