From November 19–23, La Tablée returns to New York, offering wine lovers an immersive celebration of the Rhône Valley’s wines. Curated by celebrated sommelier Daniel Johnnes — the visionary behind Burgundy-focused La Paulée and Champagne-centric La Fête — La Tablée offers a world-class experience highlighting the Rhône Valley, a region prized by collectors and a haven for value-seeking wine lovers alike.
The name “La Tablée” originates from the village of Ampuis in Côte-Rôtie, where it signifies the harvest table—a celebratory meal that rewards the hard work of the season. It also echoes the French phrase “à table,” the warm call for family and friends to gather around a shared meal.
This year, La Tablée will unite some of the Rhône Valley’s most esteemed winemakers, including celebrated producers from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Cornas, Hermitage, and Côte-Rôtie. While Burgundy and Champagne often take center stage, Rhône wines are equally remarkable. In the north, the Rhône’s savory Syrah takes the spotlight, while the south is celebrated for exuberant, Grenache-based blends alongside full-bodied whites and vibrant rosés.
La Tablée’s lineup will include dozens of French producers, showcasing their wines in collaboration with sommeliers from around the world. The week’s activities culminate in a grand tasting and a convivial dinner, where wines from both producers’ and attendees’ private cellars will be shared. Leading up to this, intimate receptions, lunches, and dinners will showcase the full spectrum of Rhône wines, underscoring the versatility and richness of this expansive wine region.
A Bit of Rhône Valley History
The Rhône Valley boasts a viticultural history dating back to the 4th century BC, marking it as the earliest wine-growing region in France. Today, the valley’s vineyards span a 125-mile stretch of the Rhône River, extending from north to south, with the southern regions fanning out as the river approaches the Mediterranean. The region is divided into two distinctively different growing areas.
The Northern Rhône produces some of the world’s most iconic wines, with Syrah as the sole red grape allowed, while white wines are crafted from Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. This region is home to legendary expressions of Syrah, including Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Cornas. The Southern Rhône, in contrast, is known for its famous “GSM” blends of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, complemented by a wide range of other red varieties, including Carignan, Cinsault, and Counoise. Its white wines feature grapes such as Clairette, Picpoul, and Bourboulenc. The south also dominates in terms of production, accounting for over 95% of Rhône Valley wines, with celebrated appellations like Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas.
Each part of the Rhône Valley brings depth and variety, making La Tablée the perfect setting to explore and experience the region’s rich diversity. Whether you’re a Rhône enthusiast or new to the wines, La Tablée offers an unforgettable chance to savor the finest of this cherished wine region.