Defense and management organization
An event to celebrate 90 years of the first 6 AOC wines
In 2026, the 6 leading wine appellations - Arbois, Cassis, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Cognac, Monbazillac and Tavel - celebrate their 90th anniversary. On the occasion of the Wine Paris trade show, a festive event was organized on February 10, 2026 to highlight this winegrowing heritage, and underscore the resolutely innovative and modern spirit of the AOCs.
France's top 6 appellations d'origine contrôlée
The decree of May 15, 1936, officially recognized the first six Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in France. This text established a legal framework designed to protect agricultural products whose quality and characteristics depend on their terroir of origin. Six wine appellations were created: Arbois, Cassis, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Cognac, Monbazillac and Tavel. These first AOCs reflected the desire to preserve local know-how and protect against fraud. They heralded the gradual creation of a national system of appellations, rapidly extended to other major terroirs.
A symbolic anniversary, focused on promoting SIQO
Organized on the occasion of the Wine Paris trade show, this anniversary demonstrates the modernity of the appellation concept. Recognition built on an identity, an origin, a committed collective, and protection granted by the French state - and since 1992 - by the European Union. Nearly 300 guests - winegrowers, industry representatives, professionals and partners - were on hand to taste these wines, and to celebrate these founding terroirs. It was an opportunity to showcase the richness and longevity of these historic appellations.
In 2025, INAO celebrates its 90th anniversary
This anniversary echoes the 90 years of INAO, celebrated in 2025, whose creation enabled the emergence of these first six appellations. For nine decades, the Institute has been at the heart of France's policy of promoting agricultural products through official quality and origin identification signs (SIQO). Its actions have helped to preserve and promote France's food heritage. To mark this anniversary, the Institute and its history committee have put together a traveling exhibition, highlighting the first 6 French appellations contrôlées.
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