Gaillac is one of the oldest wine growing areas (vignoble) in France. The wine culture was brought to France by the Phoenicians around 400 BC. It developed in 3 main regions:  the la Côte-Rotie, l’Hermitage, and Gaillac regions. In this region its presence and usage to produce wine has been confirmed on the archeosite of Montans, a small village near Gaillac. Here, the remains of a pottery from the 3rd century BC were found. It appears that the pottery was dedicated to making large amphorae to store and transport wine.

Gaillac is known for its varieties of grapes, historically there were 24 different ones. As a consequence Gaillac is able to produce any kind of wine, from the Primeur (nouveau), to easy-drinking reds and whites, and red suitable for storage up to 15 years. Also available are sweet whites and some sherry-like dry white wines, aged up to 11 years, in barrels.