Jocunditas means great pleasure and enjoyment in Latin; the town was founded as a recreational site for the soldiers from the Roman Empire Second Legion.

As early as 1894 the wines from the region won a gold medal at the agricultural fair in Paris.

In 1956, a bitter winter caused the production of wine to experience a renaissance, as the olive trees had died from the cold.

The main geographical feature in Gigondas is the Dentelles de Montmirail, a small range of mountains that divide the appellation into two distinct areas – one with a cooler climate and one with a hotter.

Some parts of the appellation are warmer than Châteauneuf-du-Pape, bringing the generous Grenache grape close to fortified strength in alcohol.