This name was given to our village during the French Revolution, at a time when all communes named after a saint were "rebaptised". That is why Saint-Désirat called itself Rochevine (literally wine rock) for several years during the 1790s. A testimony to the important role wine played during this period.

Planting began in 1991 and is almost finished.

11 ha 10 produces Condrieu (Viognier grape variety).
14 ha 40 of Syrah (Saint-Joseph Red).
2 ha 50 of Roussanne and Marsanne (Saint-Joseph White), i.e. 16 ha 90 of Saint-Joseph in Saint-Désirat 1 ha 10 of Condrieu in Limony.

GALERIE DE ROCHEVINE:

This gallery, known as "Galerie de la Claux" was built in 1883 to protect the railway line from falling rocks, while the rail track itself had been opened in 1869. The gallery is in perfect condition and we came up with the idea to turn it into a reception and promotion centre for our company and the Saint Désirat cellar.

This extraordinary project has been backed by the Department of Agriculture for the Department, which has set up a redevelopment scheme to co-ordinate promotional operations.

The scheme was presented in association with the General District Council, the Northern Ardèche Inter-communal Association, the Annonay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Chamber of Agriculture, the Department's Tourist Board, and the Department's Board of Culture and state services.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHEME:

Outdoor redevelopment: road works, providing access and parking facilities (partly completed). Landscaping a footpath through the vineyards, with boards showing educational information about the vine-growing region (around 1,400 m of paths).
Redevelopment of the Gallery. The Gallery is currently undergoing works in accord with the Department's security services and will be able to host receptions, etc., of up to 690 people.
Audio-visual facilities will include an audio-visual show on the Saint Joseph Appellation and the Cave de Saint Désirat projected in the main hall (North side).
Exhibitions, tasting sessions, sale of wines from the Domaine and the Cave.
Displays of top quality products typical of the Region.
EPermanent and temporary exhibitions on local heritage and farming traditions.
Information on the development of tourism and culture in the Ardèche countryside and the Haut Vivarais region.
Reception centre for cultural and tourist events and a conference hall.

These are the major features of the scheme which, while it is undoubtedly ambitious, enjoys the full support of the political and administrative authorities at department level and also from the Rhône Alpes Regional Council, and which will play an important role in making our gorgeous region better known and provide more interesting leisure activities for all who live here.