Rasteau covers an area of 1880 hectares with 1240 devoted to the vine. It has a Mediterranean climate and the exposure of the vineyards is excellent: 70% of them are on south-facing hillsides (at 200-400 metres) swept by the Mistral; the soils are different types of clayey limestone, some of them covered with smooth stones.

The diversity of soils and grape varieties explains why Rasteau wines have such complexity in their aromas and flavours and are so potent, fine and elegant. The average age of the vines is 40, though some plots are over 80 years old: grapes from the old vines are used for Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel and and Côtes du Rhône Villages.