From the Southern edge of the Massif Central to the Mediterranean sea,
the Languedoc vineyards stretch over vast areas of rocky hillyards  and coastal plains...

Greek traders and colonists may have planted vines near their settlements in the region as early as the eighth century B.C.  Under the Romans, the Languedoc vineyards developed and prospered rapidly, competing so successfully with Roman vineyards in Italy that in 92 AD, Roman Emperor Domitian ordered the vineyards to be uprooted and burned!
The beginning of the 11^th century marked the rebirth of the vineyard, with monasteries and abbeys playing a significant role.  Wine-growing in the Languedoc and Roussillon takes place in a range of very different conditions as regards altitude, proximity to the sea, growth on terraces or slopes, soils and terroirs.

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The Mediterranean climate, prone as it is to extremes of weather, is a unifying feature thoughout the area. It is the hottest region in France, rainfall is infrequent and unreliable and falls unevenly across the area. The winds make the climate even dryer when they blow from the land ( Mistral or Tramontane ); on the other hand, winds blowing from the sea temper the effect of the heat and bring a welcome humidity for the vines.
In Languedoc-Roussillon, soils and climate combine to create an environment that is exceptionally well suited for vine-growing which explains why the region accounts for 40% of the total output of wine produced in France! 
The traditional varieties of vine used  in Languedoc are Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvedre and have been complemented with more aromatic varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. For the still whites, Grenache Blanc is the main grape, along with Picpoul and Bourboulenc, Viognier and more recently Chardonnay.